GB1026209A - Improvements in or relating to systems including a compressible pressure fluid-actuated mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

1,026,209. Cartridge-operated release mechanisms. J. MARTIN. Oct. 28, 1964 [Nov. 4, 1963], No. 43482/63. Headings F3A and F3C. A canopy-jettisoning mechanism connected by a conduit 1 to a source (not shown) of fluid (air) under pressure comprises a tubular body with a closed upper end apertured for the passage of a plunger 2 having an enlarged lower end 3 making sliding fit in the body. The end 3 is grooved to house a sealing ring 4 and supports a shock-absorbing coil 5 of tubular metal. Plunger 2 abuts a sleeve 6 in screw-threaded engagement with a plug 7 closing the lower end of the mechanism and housing a spring- restrained firing pin 9 carried by a piston 12. The pin 9 is aligned with a gas-generating cartridge 8 supported within the sleeve 6. A bore 16 communicating with the piston 12 is sealed from the conduit 1 by a frangible disc, e.g. a copper disc. On production of a predetermined pressure differential across the disc 18, the disc ruptures and the piston 12 drives the pin 9 upward to fire the cartridge 8. The gas then generated drives the plunger upwards until halted by the shock-absorber 5 and the plunger acts upon the canopy to jettison it. To provide a time delay between operation of a first such mechanism and a second similar mechanism, pressure fluid to operate the second mechanism may be obtained by initiating a slow-burning gas-generating cartridge on actuation of the first mechanism, a frangible diaphragm being placed in the conduit leading from the cartridge to the second mechanism.