Interlocking Portion Actuated Or Released Responsive To Preselected Condition (e.g., Heat, Pressure) Patents (Class 24/602)
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Patent number: 5904112Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus that introduces improvements to the basic shackle design to allow for easy attachment to the corner of a flexible membrane such as a sail. The releasable shackle comprises of a body, hook, internal trigger, and mounting lugs. The mounting lugs are located on the shackle body such that the shackle can be attached to the corner of a sail using standard webbing and eliminates the need to install an additional grommet or ring onto the sail. The lugs are oriented such as to position the pivot point of the shackle hook at the projected comer of the sail, or alternatively slightly below the bottom edge of the sail to prevent the foot of the sail from dragging over the deck when connected to a standard deck fitting.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Inventors: Timothy T. Tylaska, Gregory R. Kline, Gregory C. Moore
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Patent number: 5867877Abstract: A self-releasing or break-away coupler that releases in response to experiencing a predetermined load. The self-releasing coupler includes a pair of jaws that form a fastener. Surrounding the jaws is a sleeve housing that deforms in response to the predetermined load when applied to the jaws. That is, as the housing deforms, the jaws are allowed to open so as to release a fastener or connector secured within the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Turtle Snaps, Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Patterson, Mark Welsh
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Patent number: 5857246Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid activated buckle release mechanism for safety belt harnesses and restraint devices used in moving crafts such as airplanes, boats, land based vehicles and the like. The buckle includes a latch for receiving and retaining one end of a safety belt within the buckle, a release mechanism for releasing the latch in order to free the belt, a liquid detection circuit for detecting the presence of liquid and controlling the operation of the release mechanism when liquid is detected.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Stratus Systems, Inc.Inventor: Steven A. Becnel
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Patent number: 5771843Abstract: An apparatus for tying a horse includes a base and a break-away tie element mounted releasably to the base. The base is mounted to a wall and includes a pair of gripping members that are spring-biased against opposite sides of a mounting portion of the tie rod. The spring tension applied to the mounting portion is selectively adjustable. When a horse whose rein is tied to a ring portion of the tie element rears up in a manner applying a sufficient force in a direction tending to pull the mounting portion from the base, the springs will yield, allowing this to occur. Thus, serious injury to the horse is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Safe-T-Tie Inc.Inventor: William C. Karlin
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Patent number: 5758393Abstract: A buckle for safety belts in vehicles comprises a load bearing housing in which an insertion path for receiving an insert tongue is formed. A movable latch is mounted on the housing. A casing is provided which surrounds the housing. The casing is provided with an opening at a rear side thereof remote from the insertion path. Within the casing at least one electric switch is arranged. This switch is fitted through the opening in the buckle in an already assembled condition thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbHInventor: Franz Wier
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Patent number: 5749130Abstract: A locking seat belt buckle assembly is configured for placement and operation within a standard seat belt buckle and tongue. In one embodiment, the seat belt buckle includes a latch that engages the tongue and a latch release plate to disengage the latch from the tongue upon depression of the release plate. The assembly includes a stop block that is movable by way of an actuator, such as a reversible micro-motor, to a position beneath the release plate to prevent depression of the latch plate. A pair of limit switches disconnect the motor from a power supply when contacted by the stop block at opposite ends of its travel. An indicator light is provided that is illuminated when the stop block is in position beneath the latch release plate. In one aspect, the motor is mounted within a housing with a spring disposed between the motor and the housing to bias the motor toward the release plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventors: Paul D. Bilyeu, Felicia M. Hinant, James H. Hobby, Donel A. Hoffman
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Patent number: 5675875Abstract: An adjustable break away attachment have a base attached to one item and a disengageable attachment member held to the base by restraining pins. When sufficient tensile force is applied to the attachment member it will break away from its base pins. The attachment member has several notches formed in joined tapered surfaces where each notch engages a pin on its flattened side surface. By changing the pins, number, size, material or placement on the base the amount of break away tensile force needed to dislodge the attachment member can be varied. This invention has a great many applications, including but not limited to, a break away attachment for a football helmet's face mask.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Richard James Servatius
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Patent number: 5606782Abstract: A fastener that receives and secures an object at one end, such as a rope, cable or line, and releases the object in response to a force or load applied to an opposite end. The releasing feature is adjustable in reference to the force or load required on the opposite end to activate the release of the secured object. The fastener may be manually operated to release the secured object with a lesser force than is required to activate the releasing feature.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: Turtle Snaps, Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Patterson, Mark G. Welsh
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Patent number: 5579819Abstract: A pulling knob for coupling the pulling cords of venetian blind together includes a ring shaped body secured to one of the cords and having two annular flanges oppositely extended from the side portions. A number of caps each includes an annular shoulder for engaging with the annular flange so as to be attached to the ring shaped body. The caps each includes a notch for engaging with the other cords so as to couple the cords together. The caps can be easily disengaged from the body in order to release the cords.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventors: Wen-Chung Hung, Suy-Po Chang
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Patent number: 5564131Abstract: A buckle which includes a first member having a nipple around which a second member can rotate in the plane of the buckle. The buckle can advantageously be used to couple a back supporting belt to a shoulder strap of a pair of suspenders or the like. The rotational movement of one buckle member with respect to the other buckle member in the plane of the buckle facilitates adjustment of the shoulder straps to accommodate the various shoulder widths of different wearers. The first and second buckle members are adapted to breakaway or decouple when the buckle is subjected to a load or force greater than a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: National Molding Corp.Inventor: Joseph Anscher
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Patent number: 5542461Abstract: A safety tassel for pull cords, used in a venetian blind for example. The safety tassel includes an eccentric hole to secure with one of the cords and one or more slots to releasably engage the other cords. When a child is entangled in the cords, the cords will be automatically released.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Teh Yor Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chung-Chen Huang
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Patent number: 5497537Abstract: A frangible clip which gives way at a loading less than the limits of supporting structures is used in bulk to secure panels of porous cloth to supporting cables. The porous cloth is that used in agriculture for shade, wind, rain, hall, or snow protection of plants or animals. The clips are installed to form loops which slide along support cables and which pass through the structure of the cloth and around a preferred soft-sheathed hem cable which strengthens all edges of the cloth. A panel of porous cloth may be held stretched out by anchoring hem cables at a first corner, passed around anchored pulleys at each adjacent corner, and tensioning them onto an anchor at the far corner. The anchors may be attached to the support cables or to poles or ground structures. These improvements are useful in minimising storm damage.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Inventors: Michael D. Robinson, Barry J. Causton
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Patent number: 5438949Abstract: A hydrostatically releasable coupling assembly for releasably securing a buoyant object to a vessel with a lashing strap. The coupling assembly includes a pair of lashing plates, a cooperative latching mechanism carried by the lashing plates for releasably coupling the lashing plates together and a composite plunger assembly coupled to one of the lashing plates for movement between a release position and a locking position. The plunger assembly has a first diameter portion shaped for release of the latching mechanism for movement from an engaged position to a disengaged position when the plunger assembly is in the release position, and a second diameter portion formed of plastic and shaped to retain the latching mechanism in an engaged position when the plunger assembly is in the locking position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Raftgo Hendry Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Ronald H. Day
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Patent number: 5430914Abstract: A self releasing snap receives and secures an object like a rope, cable or line, and the release of the object by the fastener is in response to a force applied to the opposing fastening end through a second line. The releasing feature is adjustable in reference to the force required on the opposing end to activate the self releasing feature. The self releasing snap may be manually operated to release the object with a lesser force than is required to activate the self releasing feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Turtle Snaps, Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Patterson, Mark G. Welsh
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Patent number: 5408220Abstract: A new and improved purse with a breakaway shoulder strap has a container for receiving and holding miscellaneous contents of a user, the container having opposed upper side edges. An elongated strap has a first segment and a second segment, each segment having an exterior secured end attached to an associated upper side edge of the container. Each segment has an intermediate free end. An attachment means releaseably couples the adjacent intermediate free ends of the segments. Breaking the coupling may be used to activate an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Inventors: Paul W. Brown, Betty L. Brown
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Patent number: 5381590Abstract: A cushioning device for a car safety belt comprises a female seat body and an insertion plate body. The female seat body has a receiving space, an insertion slot and two arresting portions. The insertion plate body has a coupling portion, a combination portion, and two serrated sides. The insertion plate body engages the female seat body such that the coupling portion passes through and beyond the insertion slot of the female seat body, and that the first tooth of the serrated sides engages the arresting portion of the female seat body. The serrated sides are ruptured by the arresting portions at the time when a thrust of inertia exerting on the safety belt exceeds the destruction strength of the serrated sides, so as to cause the coupling portion to move further out of the insertion slot in order to lengthen intermittently the strap buckling across the chest of a car occupant, thus absorbing the kinetic energy of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Inventors: Huei-Yu Liou, Haw-Yaw Shy
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Patent number: 5244135Abstract: A neck strap for supporting an article which comprises a flexible cord terminating in aglets at either end. The strap is passed through a slot in a flange at one end of the container. The aglets are inserted into opposite ends of a length of flexible hollow tubing with the outside diameter of the aglet and the inside diameter of the tubing being of dimensions such that there is a friction fit between the aglets and the tubing. The reduced force required for separation of the aglet and tubing prevents injury to the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Inventor: Richard G. Nelson
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Patent number: 5205665Abstract: An aviator harness fitting includes a releasable member secured to a buckle member by means of a movable bolt. A pressure inlet is provided to enable translational motion of the bolt in the manner of a piston. When actuated, the bolt moves to a release position to permit separation of the releasable and buckle members.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Grumman Aerospace CorporationInventor: Armand J. Aronne
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Patent number: 5195217Abstract: Breakable safety device, comprising a body (1) with alternating securing points (2, 3, 4, 5) and zones of weakness (6, 7, 8) where the zones of weakness are given successively increasing/decreasing breaking strength. A field of using such safety devices are when exercising dogs from a bike.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1992Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Inventor: Sven Arntzen
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Patent number: 5195223Abstract: A quick release mechanism for releasing two members joined together under tension. The force necessary to release the mechanism is substantially independent of the tension being carried by the device. This is accomplished by providing a contact surface between the latch and its holder such that the moment necessary to release the latch holder must not increase with frictional force or normal force at the point of contact between the latch and latch holder. An equation that provides the configuration necessary to achieve this objective is derived which yields a logarithmic spiral solution set. The spiral expands from zero to infinity, with any portion of the curve being a valid solution to the curve that must machined into either a latch holder surface or a latch surface. The invention may also be used to provide a mechanism that will release once a pre-determined tension has been obtained, i.e., a reusable "week link" or the inverse "weak link", i.e.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Inventor: Timothy T. Tylaska
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Patent number: 5129389Abstract: A release comprises cylindrical first and second connectors having supply passages, one of which is mounted on the supply tube and the other of which is mounted on the mask. The first connector has a cylindrical chamber for receiving a cylindrical portion of the second connector to connect the connectors and operatively connect the tube to the mask to enable supply of breathing gas to the mask. The second connector has a groove formed in its outer surface for receiving a split spring ring carried by the first connector. The free ends of the arms of the split ring have cam surfaces. A spring is mounted on the second connector and is compressed by insertion of the second connector. An unlocking device comprises an electrically-actuated explosive device carried within the first connector and a wedge which is projected against the cam surfaces upon actuation to force the spring arms apart, to force the split ring out of the groove.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Wickes Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kurt Tauscher, Daniel H. Meggs, Douglas G. Scheid
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Patent number: 5125859Abstract: An adjustable release arrangement which can be added to existing footstraps on sailboards and the like. The existing footstrap nylon webbing is threaded through the metal tongue of the mechanism which engages a heavy spring latch in the mechanism box. The mechanism box is attached by nylon webbing to the buckle on the other end of the footstrap. The preferred method for adjusting the force required to pop open the footstrap is a thumbscrew which bears directly on the spring latch. The thumbscrew has markings corresponding to the release force and is prevented from inadvertent movement by means of a retaining arm. The entire mechanism is housed within the neoprene padding of the existing footstrap.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Inventor: Edward V. Spurgeon
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Patent number: 5121527Abstract: An automatic release device for seat belts on motor-vehicles, or the like is designed to be disposed between the locking buckle (1) of the seat belt and the retaining catch (2) provided with an unlocking pushbutton (102) and secured to the frame of the vehicle. The device comprises a retaining mechanism (105) for the locking buckle (1) of the belt and, at the opposite side, a buckle (103) for engagement with the retaining catch (2). Moreover, it comprises mechanical elements (16) to cause the retaining catch (2) to open and release the device therefrom, these elements being controlled for this purpose by timing elements (8,9,R) activated by an impact and becoming operative after a pre-established time.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1991Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: Eurafrica Videomatic S.r.l. Societa' per Ricerche Elettroniche ed AudiovisiveInventor: Nardino Righi
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Patent number: 5120152Abstract: A fusible link has two generally oval members in overlying relationship, the two members having relatively flat surfaces confronting one another. One member has a quadrangular slot therein having tapered surfaces and the second member has a quadrangular projection having beveled sides complementing the tapered surfaces. The projection is accommodated in the slot and seats on the tapered surfaces of the latter to provide a space between the confront surfaces. The space is filled with a eutectic alloy which secures the members together. Pins on the members maintain the thickness of the space uniform. When the alloy is heated to a predetermined temperature it melts, thereby enabling the members to separate.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1990Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Inventor: Carmen Gueli
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Patent number: 5102176Abstract: The base (46) of a release hook (22) is located between two side members (30, 32) of a hook guide (20). A first end of the hook base (46) carries a first slide pin (50) having end portions projecting into a two-part slot (38, 40) of the guide (20). The second end of the hook base (46) carries a second slide pin (52) having opposite end portions which are movable between the slot (38, 40) and a two-part notch (42, 44). A link (24) is pivotally connected at its first end to an arm (64), which arm (64) is a part of a rotatable member (10) and pivotally moves about a second axis (88). The second end of the link (24) is pivotally attached to the hook base (46) for pivotal movement about a third axis (106). When the second slide pin (52) is within the notch (42, 44), the release hook (22) is held against movement, and the link (24) holds the arm (64) and rotatable member (10) against rotation about a first axis (62). A release pin (24) is positioned within the hook throat (54).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Virinder Duggal
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Patent number: 5072899Abstract: Release device tied to underside of kite has rubber band-biased, cooperating jaws which releasably hold toy "paratrooper". Liquid-filled gelatin capsule serves as pin to hold jaws in closed position. Salt-water solution in capsule dissolves capsule, which causes jaws to open and "paratrooper" to be released from mechanism. Varying the concentration of the salt-water solution controls the amount of time delay before which the capsule dissolves and the "paratrooper" is released.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1991Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Inventor: Steven L. Nickle
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Patent number: 5029368Abstract: A mechanism for releasing one member from another. A piston is disposed partially in the bore of one member and partially in the bore of the other member to bridge the gap therebetween for maintaining attachment thereof. The piston is responsive to a propulsive force for movement forwardly to a second position wherein all of the piston is disposed in the other member. The other member bore has a reduced-diameter portion forward of and adjoining an increased-diameter rearward portion thereby providing a shoulder. The piston has a forward portion and a rearward portion having substantially the same diameters as the forward and rearward bore portions respectively of the other member. A tapered portion connects the piston forward and rearward portions and is impelled on the shoulder when the piston is moved to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Assignee: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Robert A. Baum, Steven H. Samimi
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Patent number: 5027477Abstract: A lanyard construction including a strap 10 forming a closed loop of flexible material adapted to be disposed about a part 20 of a human body, a mounting element 16 on the loop at a fixed location thereon for mounting an object 18 to be displayed or used by the wearer of the lanyard, and a breakaway element 22, 24, 26 defining a weak point whereat the loop may be open and be pulled free from the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1989Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Seron Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Suren V. Seron
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Patent number: 4960063Abstract: A safety device for the foot-holder of a sailboard or the like in which the foot-holder has a strap in the form of a loop fixed at one end on the sailboard. The other end of the strap is secured to a latch which can be engaged in a locking body with a first elasticity in a first predetermined direction and then locked in the locking body with a second elasticity in a second direction perpendicular to the first predetermined direction. The latch and locking body are so arranged that under the action of a pulling stress exerted on the latch in the second direction, the latch is unlocked in a direction to enlarge the loop while remaining engaged in the locking body. But under the action of a shearing stress exerted on the latch in the first direction, the latch is released from the locking body and opens the hoop.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1988Date of Patent: October 2, 1990Assignee: STE LookInventor: Daniel Bontemps
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Patent number: 4956939Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a spherical head. A housing member connected to the cable has an elongated slot formed in a lateral wall and receiving the spherical head of the pin. A ramp surface formed on the housing member at the end of the elongated slot furthest from the cable is engaged by the head of the pin. A spring clip mounted on the housing member has opposed spring arms which encircle the spherical head to retain the head of the pin in the elongated slot of the housing member to connect the motor driven drive element and the vehicle body closure. The spring arms yield in response to a predetermined level of forced imposed thereon by the spherical head of the pin so that the pin is ejected laterally through the opening to disconnect the drive element from the closure.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1989Date of Patent: September 18, 1990Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Howard W. Kuhlman
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Patent number: 4944074Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is designed to separate when a predetermined ension is exerted between two members. A ball or plug member is retained within a slitted, cylindrical-shaped spring housing member. When the tensile force between the members reaches a predesigned release force, the spring housing member is spread apart to allow the ball or plug to be pulled free. Merely reconfiguring the cylindrical spring housing member from different materials or with different dimensions or number of slits alters the tensile release force to accommodate a variety of different applications. After a predetermined separation, the members can be reassembled for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1989Date of Patent: July 31, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David M. Bullat, Willie L. Thomas
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Patent number: 4923150Abstract: A parachute ring release mechanism with a spring incorporated to insure disengagement of the parachute risers. The ring release is structured such that the parachute risers may be released by either one of two rip cords.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: McDonnell Douglas CorporationInventors: Robert B. Calkins, Frederick F. Rinke
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Patent number: 4920619Abstract: A pin of a retracting or ejecting pyrotechnical power element preferably mounted on the side of a belt lock facing away from the engaged belt is connected to a trigger key in such a way that, upon initiation of the charge of the pyrotechnical power element as a result of a threshold of a sensor in the vehicle being exceeded, due to an occurrence to be sensed, i.e. an impact upon collision and, after a required delay, the trigger key is depressed completely--and remains depressed. The required delay between the occurrence and the instant of belt separation can be effected electronically or, quite especially preferably, integrated in the pyrotechnical power element by means of a pyrotechnical transmission path.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1989Date of Patent: May 1, 1990Assignee: Dynamit Nobel AktiengesellschaftInventors: Richard Bender, Anton Bretfeld
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Patent number: 4909298Abstract: A safety device including first and second members is attached to the pull cords for window coverings to prevent children from strangling when the children play with the pull cords. Detents on first surfaces of the first and second members couple the first and second members in detachable relationship at the first surfaces upon the exertion of forces against the members in directions transverse to such first surfaces. The first member is retained by one of the cords at a position laterally displaced in a first direction from the first surfaces and the second member is retained by the other cord at a position laterally displaced from the first surfaces in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Such retentions are provided at second surfaces transverse to, and displaced from, the first surfaces. The second surfaces are shaped relative to each other to provide for the detachment of the first and second members at the first surfaces upon the exertion of forces in the direction of the first surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1988Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Inventors: Richard M. Langhart, Karen F. Langhart
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Patent number: 4903382Abstract: A mechanical release of an object occurs after a release device is subjec to a first pressure and then is brought to a second pressure which is less than the first. The first pressure enables or arms the device so that its actuation or release takes place when the second, specific release pressure is reached. The setting and releasing pressures are substantially less than extremely high pressures which the device is capable of withstanding. A pair of opposed biasing springs and a diaphragm with a specifically contoured solid stop prevent deformation and any sliding of sealing surfaces to avoid failure.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1989Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Jimmy L. Held, Charles E. Tallerino
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Patent number: 4869245Abstract: An expolosively-activated mechanism for releasing a breathing mask from a protective helmet to permit the user to breathe the ambient atmosphere independently of the mask utilizes coacting mechanisms in the form of a bayonet and a bayonet receiver and an explosive charge mounted in the bayonet receiver for explosively separating the bayonet receiver and permitting the bayonet to drop from the helmet upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. The bayonet receiver includes components defining a bayonet-receiving channel which is held in assembled relationship by a plurality of shanked fasteners and a cutting blade interposed between the explosive charge and the shanked fasteners. The cutting blade is adapted to receive the explosive force generated by the explosive charge and sever every shanked fastener of the bayonet receiver upon receipt of the explosive force.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1987Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Donald E. Nowakowski, Carlton W. Naab
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Patent number: 4850140Abstract: A releasable connection device for connecting a motor driven drive cable to a closure includes a pin attached to the closure and having a head supported by a necked down stem. A cylindrical housing member has an opening in a lateral wall thereof which receives the pin. A slide member is attached to the drive cable and is reciprocably carried by the housing member. The slide member has an open ended slot smaller than the head of the pin and receiving the necked down stem. A spring acts between the housing member and the slide member to urge the members to relative positions in which the head of the pin is captured to effect a connection between the drive cable and the closure. The spring yields upon imposition of force to permit energy absorbing limited relative movement between the members and yields further to permit withdrawal of the open ended slot of the slide member beyond the head of the pin so that the pin is released from the housing member.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1988Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David E. Compeau, Lloyd W. Rogers
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Patent number: 4848262Abstract: A release mechanism is triggered when the pressure differential on the siall of a sealed container reaches a predetermined threshold level at which the container either implodes or explodes to sufficiently decrease the spacing between the ends of the container and thereby achieve the release. False triggering due to percussion or shock waves may be precluded by disposing a shield about the sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1988Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Willie B. Freeman
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Patent number: 4815177Abstract: An automatic release buckle assembly including a mating buckle and latch tongue. A resiliently biased tongue latch engages the latch tongue to prevent withdrawal of the latch tongue from the buckle. A manually operable release mechanism is provided for causing the tongue latch to disengage the latch tongue to permit withdrawal of the latch tongue from the buckle. An automatic release device causes the tongue latch to disengage the latch tongue and includes an element movable between first and second positions where in the second position the tongue latch is disengaged from the latch tongue. A support is provided for supporting the movable element in the first position and a resilient element is provided for urging the movable element from the first position to the second position when the movable element becomes unsupported in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1988Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Inventor: James MacKew
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Patent number: 4803980Abstract: Apparatus for separating a breathing mask from a helmet automatically upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, the mask having a bayonet connection to a bayonet receiver carried by the helmet. A piston and an explosive cartridge are arranged in an actuator body associated with the bayonet receiver. Upon the occurrence of the predetermined event, as sensed by an activating circuit associated with the receiver, the explosive cartridge generates a shock wave driving the piston against the bayonet in generally right angular relation to the bayonet, thereby forcibly separating the bayonet from the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1986Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Assignee: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Donald E. Nowakowski, Carlton W. Naab
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Patent number: 4742605Abstract: A safety release device particularly useful for tethering horses comprises a cylindrical housing, a central shaft therein having on one end a spring retainer/trigger and on the other end a capture washer held by a stop or shoulder on the shaft, a spring between the retainer and the washer, two opposed spring loaded capture dogs engaging the capture washer and preventing it and the shaft from being pulled from the housing until released and fastening members, one attached to the end of the shaft and another attached to the housing to permit lines to be attached thereto. The operation of the device is such that when a sufficient pull is exerted on the shaft, the spring compresses allowing the retainer/trigger to move toward the capture washer against the action of the spring and in so doing to force the dogs apart releasing the washer and thus the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1986Date of Patent: May 10, 1988Inventor: Gerald E. Ritacco
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Patent number: 4734962Abstract: Link means for automatically releasing a static line from a torpedo launching aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1986Date of Patent: April 5, 1988Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Gerald W. Schueller
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Patent number: 4733625Abstract: Presented is a coupling device designed to release two members that are connected together when more than a predetermined force is exerted to separate the two members. The coupling device is adjustable to increase or decrease the amount of force to which it responds. Structurally, the device includes a plug member having a spherical knob seated in a complementary seat formed in a surrounding tube having longitudinal slits. A sleeve surrounding the tube is slidable between maximum and minimum force settings to control the amount of force required to separate a member connected to the plug member from another member connected to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1987Date of Patent: March 29, 1988Inventor: William W. Allen
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Patent number: 4731036Abstract: A device for indicating the presence in water of an object consisting of material capable of being affected by a magnet, the device containing a magnet. The device enables a reliable and effective indication to be given of metallic objects which are present in water. The magnet exhibits an active surface capable of interacting with the object in question and a floating body connected to the magnet in such a way as to be capable of being released from it, in conjunction with which there is present at least one ejector protrusion projecting beyond the active surface in question, so arranged that the ejector protrusion will endeavour, because of the nature of the interaction between the ejector protrusion and the object in question, to break the bond between the magnet and the floating body when the magnet is affected by the object in question.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1986Date of Patent: March 15, 1988Inventor: Ericstam Ulf
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Patent number: 4715096Abstract: A thermally actuated seat belt fastener includes a conventional latching mechanism having an automotive thermostat type of actuator within a release button that is pressed by a user to release the fastener. If the thermostat is subjected to a predetermined high temperature, an internal plunger extends from the interior of the button to automatically release the fastener, without depressing of the release button.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1986Date of Patent: December 29, 1987Inventors: Joseph A. Fleming, Stephen J. Haider
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Patent number: 4693199Abstract: A release arrangement for a sailboard footstrap (10) which has a female member (22) and a male member (74). The female member (22) is composed of two identical components (38,40) which locate together by means of pins (52,152) locating in apertures (154,54). Chamfered apertures (48,148) in resilient arm portions (46,146) of the female member (22) are adapted to receive and retain frusto-conical bosses (94,90) on the male member (74). The bosses (94,90) are located on a portion (82) of the male member (74), the sides (84,86) of which abut pins (52,152) when relative rotation of the members (22,74) about the engaged bosses and apertures (94,48; 90,148) occurs, the abutment serving to lever the bosses (94,90) from the apertures (48,148) at a predetermined magnitude of force exerted to cause rotation. The male (74) and female (22) members may also disengage at other predetermined magnitudes of forces exerted upon the arrangement in other directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1985Date of Patent: September 15, 1987Inventors: Ludwig Omachen, Stephen Janson
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Patent number: 4690190Abstract: A tire chain adapted to be mounted on and readily removed from a vehicle tire includes an inner support extending, in the mounted state of the chain, circumferentially along and in engagement with an inwardly oriented tire side. The inner support has a spring steel yoke including adjacent opposite free yoke ends and a hook lock having cooperating first and second components mounted on the opposite yoke ends, respectively and adapted to selectively assume an interengaged, closed state or a disengaged, open state. The first component is a flat, quadrangular eyelet defining an eyelet plane oriented such that in the mounted state of the tire chain the eyelet lies flat against the side wall of the tire and further, the second component is a flat hook defining a hook plane oriented perpendicularly to the eyelet plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1985Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Steirische Kettenfabriken Pengg-Walenta KGInventor: Ferdinand Jeindl
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Patent number: 4644616Abstract: The device comprises automatic unlocking means for a fastening member connected to the belt and actuating means for the unlocking which are sensitive to a parameter of the state of a movable structure in which the safety belt is installed. The automatic unlocking means comprise means for automatically exerting a force against elastic means on a triggering device. The means for automatically exerting a force comprise a metallic element capable of exerting a force when heated, and heating means for this metallic element.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1985Date of Patent: February 24, 1987Assignee: Equipements Automobiles MarchallInventor: Jacques H. Ferry
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Patent number: 4637101Abstract: An actuator/sensor responsive to concentration of a substance in a liquid comprising a case containing in a rigid chamber a liquid of lesser concentration of that substance, and an exit opening at least in part occluded by a membrane possessing osmotic properties, whereby when a sufficiently concentrated solution contacts the membrane outside the chamber, liquid in the chamber leaves in an attempt to dilute the more concentrated solution, creating a lesser pressure which can be utilized as a signal or actuating power. Actuating means such as a retention pin can be moved from a ready to an actuated position as a function of the lowering of pressure in the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1983Date of Patent: January 20, 1987Inventor: Leslie C. Fiedler
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Patent number: 4613311Abstract: An automatically disconnecting connector apparatus for a floatable device, such as a fisherman's float tube, includes one coupling member having an aperture and another coupling member having another aperture. The other coupling member is bifurcated so that it can receive the first-mentioned coupling member therein. In this relationship, the apertures of the coupling members are aligned for receiving a shaft of a pin member which is retained in the apertures by gravity when the floatable device is in an upright position. The pin member is automatically extracted in response to gravity when the floatable device is overturned, thereby automatically disconnecting the connector apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1985Date of Patent: September 23, 1986Inventor: John A. V. Wood