Abstract: An inflator according to the present invention comprises a valve body having a replaceable pressure cartridge that is pierced by a piercing pin is operated by an actuating lever to inflate an attached object. The valve body is mounted in a protective housing, and a lanyard carried by the actuating lever extends through an opening in the housing. The lanyard carries an indicia member that emerges from the housing when the handle is pulled to actuate the valve to provide a visible reminder that the cartridge has been discharged and needs replacing. The piercing pin slides in a sleeve slidable in a piercing pin chamber. A spring biases the piercing pin into engagement with the actuating lever. The lever is pivotable from stored to actuated positions to force the pin to pierce the pressure cartridge. An interlock comprising interengageable locking surfaces of the actuator lever and on the pin prevent movement of the lever from actuated position unless the discharged cartridge has been removed.

Abstract: An inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger is mounted in a housing and is movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. An actuator mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to move the plunger to pierce the canistor to release the pressurized gas through the housing to the inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes provide a signal to a control device mounted within the housing when immersed in water. The control device automatically activates the actuator to drive the piercing end of the plunger into the canister. A manual lanyard is extensibly mounted within the housing and is connected to a link and lever to drive the plunger into the canister when the lanyard is pulled outward from the housing.

Abstract: A liquid level control in a refrigeration system operates a solenoid valve to maintain the level of liquid refrigerant in a vessel within a range defined by predetermined lower and upper liquid levels, sounds an alarm if the upper level is exceeded and stops a pump if the lower level is violated. The control comprises a float assembly and a switching assembly. The float assembly comprises a float chamber connected to the vessel, a float ball therein, a vertically extending float rod connected to the float ball and movable along a vertical path, and a pair of spaced apart stop members on the float rod disposed within the switching assembly. The switching assembly comprises a switch actuator permanent magnet, having magnet poles at opposite ends, slidably mounted on the float rod between the stop members and movable thereby along the said path.

Abstract: A position indicating device (10) including a capsule (11) of lighter-than-air gas, a balloon envelope (13) and a connection and release assembly (12) securing the balloon envelope (13) to the capsule (11). The connection and release assembly (12) includes an actuator (29) which may be rotated to cause the capsule (11) to be pierced and permit gas to escape into the balloon envelope (13) and a release pin (46) to release the balloon envelope (13) when inflated. The height of elevation of the balloon envelope (13) is governed by a tether (21).

Abstract: A valve mechanism for opening the seal on a high pressure gas cylinder, e.g., a cylinder having an internal pressure on the order of 6,000 psi, is provided. The valve includes a piston assembly which carries a cutter for puncturing the cylinder's seal. The initial puncture is performed manually. Thereafter, the escaping gas from the cylinder is used to force the piston towards the seal to complete the puncturing process.

Abstract: A device for providing location data for use by a lost child or adult or an individual in need of assistance. The device is in the form of a small compact unit including a container having a top case and a bottom case containing a deflated airfoil and a gas cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas such as helium. A release key which when pulled allows the top case to separate from the bottom case and automatic inflation of the airfoil commences. The plunger strikes a lever driving a puncture pin into the gas cylinder filling the airfoil through a one way valve. The airfoil is tethered at one end by a line and is attached to the bottom case and maintains flight even in adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is attached to a container filled with a fluid and shipped with the container wherein during shipment the dispensing apparatus has two separate seals comprising an operable valve for opening and closing a first passageway, and a sealing member for closing a second passageway and the dispensing apparatus is locked in a closed position. A locking member is provided for preventing accidental movement of the dispensing apparatus and also to provide positive identification that the container has not been tampered with. A self generating pressure applying expandable pouch is located within the container to apply a substantially constant pressure on the fluid so that the fluid may be dispensed from the container.

Abstract: Container (1,12) intended to contain at least one liquid gas in both liquid and gaseous phase, comprised at least of a body (2), an absorbing material plug (9) inserted in said body and having at least one bore (9a) extending along one dimension (for instance the height) of the container, and a gaseous phase bleeding area being provided adjacent to the bore. A feeding tube (6) is fitted inside the bore (9a), has a free end located inside said bore and free of any contact with the plug (9), and communicates by its other end, tightly with respect to the inside of the container with a bleeding device (5) working only in gaseous phase and located in said bleeding area.

Abstract: A compact and portable wine dispensing device is provided, having a support structure coupled to a closure member which fits into the neck of the wine bottle, which structure supports a removable inert gas cartridge, a gas purge valve, a wine dispensing valve, an extended gas feeder tube, an extended wine feeder tube, a gas pressure restriction regulator, a bottle switching valve and a one way valve. The portable dispensing device is fitted within the neck of the bottle, the gas cartridge is then inserted into the device and activated, and the gas purge valve is actuated to cause the inert gas within the cartridge to purge oxygen within the space above the wine, which air passes through the purge valve and out into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The gas supply mechanism includes a main body, a nut, a packing having an O-ring part and a ringlike flange part, a piercing body and a valve housing. The O-ring part fits well the sealing cover of a gas cartridge even if the surface of the sealing cover is not flat. The valve housing has a gas passage and a bypass which enables to prevent pulsation of gas flow.

Abstract: A damped sensor is utilized outside the crush zone of a vehicle. The energy required for release of a firing pin resulting from damped movement of a sensing mass is small in comparison with energy absorbed by a bias spring acting on the sensing mass.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid comprising a tubular fitting member fitted to a mouth of a vessel storing the liquid, a dispensing pipe mounted to the fitting member, a bomb attachment communicating with the fitting member through a communication passage and holding therein a bomb filled with the liquid, a bomb unstoppering needle fitted with a terminal sealing member therearound and mounted within the bomb attachment so as to be intruded into and receded out of a sealing plate of the bomb held within the bomb attachment, a supporting member for linearly movably supporting the unstoppering needle within the bomb attachment, and a device mounted rotatably in the bomb attachment and adapted for shifting the bomb attachment needle, is disclosed.

Abstract: A personal flotation assistance device includes a housing having an open end, a cover pivotally movable from a first position closing the open end and a second position opening that end, a container of pressurized fluid having a frangible membrane, a pin for puncturing the membrane, an expandable envelope disposed in an initially collapsed condition, and a gear assembly connecting the cover and pin. User manipulation of the cover to move the same from its first to its second position causes pin movement both rotationally about its axis and translationally along that axis into membrane puncturing abutment, thereby releasing the pressurized fluid for inflating the envelope to provide the user with flotation assistance. Cover movement to its second from its first position additionally serves to clear the housing open end thus enabling expansion of the inflating envelope outwardly from the housing interior.

Abstract: A device suitable for dispensing a radioactive gas from a sealed radioactive gas-containing vial having a pierceable septum wherein the dispenser contains two needles which pierce the septum, one of the needles conducting the radioactive gas from the vial into the dispenser and the other for the introduction of a displacement gas to the vial. The improvement being a means in the dispenser whereby the septum is automatically released from the needles without handling the vial so that the vial may be removed from the dispenser.

Abstract: The rescue-unit includes a housing containing, a folded floating element and a bottle of compressed gas for automatic inflation of the floating element in the water. Inflation is initiated as soon as disc-like support-elements, placed on edge, become soft and buckle, when water enters, and thus no longer prevent actuation of a valve loaded by a spring located below the bottle of compressed gas. The spring can be completely released, for the purpose of actuating the valve of the compressed-gas bottle, only when a locking element, projecting into a preloading device loaded by the spring, is removed. The locking element is firmly connected to a retainer in which the housing is secured. When the housing is withdrawn from the retainer, the preloading device is automatically unlocked, leaving the rescue-unit ready for automatic inflation of the floating element as soon as the water gains access to the support-elements.

Abstract: A person emergency rescue assembly comprising a container attachable to a person with an automatically inflatable flotation device stored in the container. The container is readily opened by pulling on a release so that the flotation device automatically inflates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manually operated inflator for inflatable articles such as life vests and the like. Such inflator, which is typically employed with an inflatable life vest, is operated by pulling on a lanyard attached to a lever which has integrally attached thereto a cam which forces a piercing pin against the seal of the CO.sub.2 capsule. In accordance with the invention the hole in the cam which was formerly employed to receive a pivot pin in the prior construction of the inflator has been replaced by a notch which is so disposed angularly with respect to the active surface of the cam that the root of the notch provides for a positive thrusting engagement between it and the pivot pin throughout the angle of rotation of the cam which is necessary to effect the piercing of the seal of the capsule, but provides for the ready escape of the lever end cam from the body of the inflator once the capsule seal has been pierced.

Abstract: Dual firing inflator for an inflatable article. A first gas containing capsule is pierced by energy supplied either manually or by a compressed spring of the like and the gas from the pierced first capsule powers a second piercing pin which pierces a second gas containing capsule. This reduces the amount of externally applied energy which is necessary to operate the inflator while supplying the inflatable article with an amount of gas which is twice that contained in capsules which are normally used with inflators of the same general type.

Abstract: An automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated housing having first and second end portions, the housing receiving a compressed gas-containing capsule for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and with the seal on the capsule disposed adjacent the second end portion of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the second end portion of the housing to confront the seal of a capsule mounted therein, there being a spring at the first end portion of the housing for constantly urging the capsule longitudinally of the housing toward the second end portion thereof.

Abstract: An automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated housing having first and second end portions, the housing receiving the neck of a compressed gas-containing capsule mounted for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and with the seal on the capsule disposed adjacent the second end portion of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the first end portion of the housing to confront the seal on the neck of a capsule mounted therein, there being a spring at the second end portion of the housing for constantly urging the capsule longitudinally of the housing toward the first end portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a gas contained in a sealed ampule, typically a radioactive gas dissolved in a saline solution. A housing with a cavity for receiving the ampule, the housing having a lead shield surrounded by a steel sleeve, and a cap for closing the cavity in the shield. First and second flow paths are provided in the housing from the exterior of the housing to a seat which engages the ampule output line. A syringe is attached on the outside of the housing and connects with the first flow path. A hollow needle is positioned in the second flow path with one end entering the ampule outlet line for breaking the ampule seal. A valve on the outer end of the needle is normally closed so that when the needle breaks the seal, liquid from the syringe is drawn into the ampule with the gas dissolving in the liquid. Then the gas-liquid solution is withdrawn through the needle and valve.

Abstract: A shape-memory alloy initially configured to have engaging potential for a ance, guillotine or pin connected thereto is wrapped in a heating element powered by current from a water activated battery. When the alloy reaches a specific temperature it silently reverts to a predetermined shape. The reversion force is used to displace a lance to pierce a gas cylinder seal to allow inflation of a float and to cut a retaining loop or withdraw a pin to payout a preset length of hydrophone suspension cable.

Abstract: An inflator for pneumatic tires that uses compressed gas. The inflator has a housing 10, a cartridge 12 of compressed gas that communicates through a passage 20 of the housing, and a valve chuck 14 connected to the passage and constructed to fit over and seal about a tire valve stem. The passage has a tubular member 50 with a restrictive orifice 60 that produces a pressure drop to the flow of gas. The valve chuck has a rotatable nut 64 that compresses an annular gasket 22 to provide a seal with the valve stem. A clamp removably secures the inflator to the underside of a bicycle seat.

Abstract: An inflation mechanism is provided for automatically inflating a life preserver or the like upon immersion in water. The mechanism includes a housing, a first piston slidably mounted within the housing, a second piston slidably mounted within the first piston, and a water-activated chemical positioned in a chamber between the two pistons. Upon immersion in water, the chemical reacts therewith creating a gaseous end product. The pistons are forced apart by the gas. One of them includes a piercing pin for puncturing the membrane of a CO.sub.2 cartridge. If the mechanism is not totally immersed in water, the piston including the piercing pin is restricted from moving through the membrane.

Abstract: Automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated cup-shaped housing having an open rear end and a generally closed front end. The rear end of the housing receives the neck of a compressed gas-containing capsule with the seal on the capsule disposed within the housing. A plunger is disposed adjacent to the forward, generally closed end of the housing, the plunger being adapted to reciprocate longitudinally of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the plunger to confront the seal of a capsule mounted on the housing; there is a spring at the forward end of the housing for constantly urging the plunger and the piercing pin thereon longitudinally rearwardly of the housing toward the seal on the capsule, and a releasable blocking device interposed between the plunger and the neck of the capsule to hold the piercing pin spaced from the seal of the capsule.

Abstract: A tap operated by a push button which acts to open a valve member which is biassed to the closed position, the valve member being for normal operation of the tap; also operated by the push button is a seal piercing means which pierces a diaphragm in or adjacent the tap inlet and which after initial operation of the push button remains lodged in the pierced diaphragm, the piercing means only being moved by the push button on the initial operation. The arrangement ensures an added protection against oxygen penetrating into a container fitted with the tap and is particularly useful for wine containers where the added protection ensures a longer shelf life.

Abstract: There is described apparatus for protecting and dispensing wine from a bottle in which a stopper assembly inserted in the neck of the bottle receives a removable cap assembly. The cap includes a chamber receiving gas under pressure from a cartridge stored in the cap. A valve in the stopper has three positions, an off position, a bottle venting position, and a bottle pressurizing position. In the latter position, gas under pressure stored in the cap is directed into the bottle so as to insert an inert gas into the bottle. In the vent position, excess pressure in the top of the bottle can be relieved. A second valve in the stopper controls an output spigot from which wine is dispensed from the bottle.

Abstract: An improved cork-extracting device having a gas bomb filled with carbonic acid gas, inert gas or the like. The gas in the bomb is fed into the air-space present below the cork of the container, such as a bottle containing beverages such as wine, through a insertion needle whereby the pressure in the container raises to remove the cork automatically. The cork-extracting device is characterized in that a valve seat of a needle valve, which opens and closes the gas supply port, is made of a resilient valve seat plate, the lower surface of the resilient valve seat plate being used as a packing for supporting the cap of the gas bomb, accommodated in a cylindrical container, and the needle valve being able to protrude the resilient valve seat plate to open the cap of the gas bomb.

Abstract: An improvement in construction of a casing of a gas firing cooking apparatus which has elements, such as, a burner, control means for gas delivery to the burner, igniter, gas take-off head, etc., superposed on a removable gas cartridge and a surrounding casing with two chambers for separately receiving the superstructure and gas cartridge. An open end is provided at the bottom of the casing for easy access to the casing. A flexible springy member is disposed across the open end with one end thereof pivoted to the open end and other end thereof releasably fastened to the open end for clamping the gas cartridge against the gas take-off head to establish a gas-tight connection.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing anti-burglar device is disclosed in which a chemical irritant such as tear gas is discharged into the area to be protected when an intruder forces entry into the area to be protected with which the device is associated. The anti-burglar device employs electrical elements for causing the release of the irritant gas and includes provisions for resettable triggering and a switch to transfer power to an external alarm after releasing the chemical irritant.

Abstract: An attack repellant device to be worn externally by a user houses a replaccable container of repellent fluid (malodorous or irritating) which is selectively releasable to repel, discourage or subsequently identify an attacker or assailant. The container includes a portion which is breakable to release the fluid through a nozzle (or through a screen) by a pair of manually actuatable pushbutton fluid release members which can be depressed to break the container portion only after four manually actuatable pushbutton resettable trigger members are first depressed. The fluid release members mechanically interlock with each other and each fluid release member also interlocks with one pair of trigger members. The nozzle includes an optionally usable manually operable valve to prevent or terminate fluid release even after all pushbutton members are actuated. The device includes an electric safety alarm system to warn the wearer if any one of the trigger members has been unintentionally actuated.

Abstract: A guard to prevent the inadvertent operation of an inflator for use with an inflatable article, the inflator having a piercing pin which is operated by a manually operated lever. The guard of the invention, which is used instead of the formerly used headed frangible pin which extended through the lever and the body of the inflator on both sides thereof, is of U-shape and is mounted on the body of the inflator so that the broad main part of the guard straddles the lever when the latter is in retracted position, and the legs of the guard tightly pinch the opposite sides of the inflator body between them. The guard is simple and economical to make, can be quickly applied to the inflator body, is reusable, and can readily be applied in the field, in contrast to the formerly employed frangible pin which required the use of special heading equipment in order fully to apply it to the inflator body.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing anti-burglar device is disclosed in which a chemical irritant such as tear gas is discharged into the area to be protected when an intruder forces entry into the area to be protected with which the device is associated. The anti-burglar device employs electrical elements for causing the release of the irritant gas and includes provisions for time delayed release of the chemical irritant.

Abstract: A pressure regulator and safety valve assembly comprises pressure regulating means and safety valve means. The pressure regulating means is so coupled to the safety valve means that the pressure at which the safety valve means opens varies independence upon the setting of the pressure regulating means. The safety valve means includes a safety valve member mounted for movement relative to a static surface between a closed position in which the safety valve member seals against the static surface and an open position in which the safety valve member is spaced from the static surface.

Abstract: A valve that is connected to a container of pressurized fluid and has a spring-loaded striker member which is normally secured in a ready position out of contact with a seal retaining the fluid within the container, the striker member being releasable by the action of a releasable lock for movement by a loading spring into an operate position in which the striker member perforates the seal to release the pressurized fluid. The lock is responsive to a control member to lock the striker member against movement when the control member is in a non-operating position, and to release the striker member upon arrival of the control member at an operating position. Movement of the control member is effected by a releasable connector which connector is further responsive to the arrival of the control member at the operating position to then release the cable allowing the escape thereof.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a vessel having an outlet normally sealed by a frangible seal. A probe is aligned with the seal and is mounted for movement in a path intersecting the seal and spring biases the probe toward the seal in the path. A restraint is provided for normally restraining the probe in the path to prevent breakage of the seal and includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove in the probe, a series of spherical elements disposed such that they partially enter the groove, and a movable cam which abuts the spherical elements oppositely of the groove and which is configured to cam the elements partially into the groove.

Abstract: A gas bottle, such as that using carbon dioxide gas to inflate a flotation device, is opened by cutting off the neck with an explosively driven ram in a tubular body provided with a transverse aperture receiving the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus for controllably transferring fluid from a pierceable pressurized container includes a valve body, a stem member which is threadably connected to the valve body at one end and a fluid-conducting hose at the other end, and an elastomeric valve ball disposed in a cavity between the body and the stem member. The valve ball controls fluid flow from the container through the valve body and stem member to the hose in response to rotation of the valve stem relative to the body. Simultaneously, the valve balls acts as a check valve to prevent flow of fluid to the container. An O-ring seal between the stem and the valve body is adapted to leak at high pressure and bleed off fluid.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatically operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatically operating portion of the inflator incorporates a latch which holds a plunger operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the latch releases the plunger, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatically operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatically operating portion of the inflator incorporates a latch which holds a plunger operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the latch releases the plunger, which thereafter thrusts a gas-containing capsule against a piercing pin, so that the pin passes through the sealing diaphragm of the capsule.

Abstract: A dual valve actuator mechanism for a fire extinguisher bottle in a milit vehicle. The mechanism includes an electrical trigger system for operating the valve automatically in response to energization of an electronic optical fire sensor; alternately the electrical trigger system can be operated by closure of a manual switch from within the vehicle interior. A second cable system is provided to operate the valve manually from a point external to the vehicle, as when the vehicle is unoccupied at onset of the flame or when the soldiers are forced to exit the vehicle to avoid inhalation of fumes or vapors. Unfortunately the valve actuation stroke is very small, on the order of two-tenth inch or less. The present invention relates to a lost-motion connection in the cable for lengthening the stroke necessary to operate the valve; this prevents inadvertant valve actuation due to vehicle vibrations or installation tolerances.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inflator for the inflation of inflatable articles such as life vests and the like, such inflator being operated automatically upon being subjected to water as upon the ditching or parachuting of an aviator wearing a life vest provided with such inflator. In the preferred embodiment of the inflator disclosed, the automatically operating portion of it is embodied as an attachment to a known manually operated inflator, the resulting inflator being capable of operation both manually and automatically. The automatically operating portion of the inflator incorporates a latch which holds a plunger operated by a coil compression spring in cocked condition until the latch releases the plunger, which thereafter thrusts a piercing pin against and through the sealing diaphragm of a gas-containing capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting air bag devices in automobiles at the time of an accident or collision of an automobile, if the shock resulting from such collision is such as will injure the riders in the automobile. The apparatus includes a weight body adapted to detect the magnitude of the shock and to slide at the time of collision of the automobile. A detecting member is engaged with the weight body to operate with movement of the weight body, and a link mechanism is operated by the detecting member, such that the air bag device will be started mechanically.

Abstract: A gun type device for removing radioactive gas from a sealed hypodermic type vial. The device includes a sealable recess including a pair of concentric hollow needles which penetrate the vial upon the closing of the chamber with a vial still remaining within a lead shielded container which then forms a part of the sealed chamber. An inlet port under control of a push button valve conducts an inert gas under compression through one of said needles to displace and mix with the radioactive gas and force the same through the other of said needles to an outlet port controlled by a second valve.

Abstract: A device for inflating the floating body of lifesaving equipment, in which gas under pressure is released from a compressed gas containing container, normally closed by a diaphragm, into lifesaving equipment to be inflated, by causing a striker to pierce the diaphragm. The striker is movable against the diaphragm, selectively by a manually operable lever or by the thrust of a spring. In the last mentioned instance, a spring is held in its loaded condition by a control element having a section adapted to disintegrate in water. A lever system including a pivoting lever operatively engages the striker. When the pivoting lever is in its ineffective position and the spring is in loaded condition, the pivoting lever is continuously urged to its effective position, in which the lever system causes the striker to pierce the diaphragm.

Abstract: In a device for tapping gas from a gas-containing cartridge, there is provided a screw socket into which a threaded end of a tap forming part of a gas-using appliance is screwed, a piston spring-loaded in the direction of the end of the socket and bearing at its end sealing means engaging the cartridge, a perforating needle mounted on the socket and extending through the piston, and stop means to limit the travel of the piston under the action of its spring. The piston is hollow and of larger diameter than the socket which latter extends into a bore in the piston, the piston sliding over and outside the socket. By this means, the risk of seizure of the piston in prolonged use of the device is considerably reduced.

Abstract: A double ended piston assembly is maintained in a cocked position in a stepped piston chamber under the influence of pressurized sensor gas. Loss of pressure results in the pistons being driven to an actuating position wherein a puncture element carried thereby fractures a frangible disc in a high pressure gas container. High pressure actuating gas from the container is then routed by the device to operate a responsive device.

Abstract: A spool valve includes a disposable, replaceable cylinder containing gaseous media under pressure which is selectively introduced into the pitot and static lines of an aircraft for purging same incident to the endwise movement of a normally retracted plunger which comprises the valving member of the valve. The plunger, when in an inoperative position, maintains certain instruments in open communication with the pitot tube and outside static lines of an aircraft. When the plunger is advanced to an operative position, the aforesaid connections between the instruments, pitot tube, and outside static lines are closed, whereupon the gaseous media under pressure is introduced into the lines leading to the pitot tube and outside static air line for thereby purging said lines, and simultaneously therewith the instruments are automatically connected to an auxiliary pitot tube and auxiliary outside static lines.

Abstract: The air bag safety system is a self-contained, modular apparatus including: an inflatable bag, an inflating unit connected to the bag, and a sensor. The inflating unit provides gas for inflating the bag. The sensor is disposed adjacent to the apparatus and is responsive to a predetermined level of deceleration of a vehicle for activating the inflating unit. The system also includes a fail-safe interlock to prevent the sensor from activating the inflating unit when the system is not properly mounted or internal parts fail in service.

Abstract: A detonator assembly for mating a gas cartridge to an expandable chamber, such as a life vest, the cartridge having a sealing diaphragm across one end thereof and the chamber having a wall, comprising a body having a threaded collar on one side thereof which is adapted to extend through a hole in the chamber wall, the body having first and second intersecting passageways therein, the first passageway extending through the collar, one end of the second passageway being threaded to receive the one end of the cartridge; a nut positionable in the chamber for engaging the collar and connecting the body to the chamber wall with the first passageway providing a flow path into the chamber; a firing pin positioned for axial movement in the second passageway and having a diaphragm puncturing element at one end thereof positioned in facing relationship with the one end of the cartridge; a spring positioned within the body and surrounding the firing pin for biasing the firing pin with the diaphragm puncturing element spa