GB429540A - Improvements in and relating to inflatable flotation devices - Google Patents

Abstract

429,540. Collapsable craft. KIDDE & CO., Inc., W., 60, West Street, Bloomfield, New Jersey, U.S.A. April 4, 1935, No. 10175. Convention date, April 8, 1933. [Class 113 (i)] [See also Groups VII and XXI] Inflatable flotation devices such as life-vests or belts, lifeboats or rafts have two or more separate compartments which are simultaneously inflated from a pressure - source through a manifold which is provided with valves for preventing a reverse flow of the pressure medium. The manifold 10 is in communication with the compartments of 2, 3 of the inflatable flotation device by way of the ducts 60 and with the pressure source 8 by way of the centrally-disposed duct 35. On fracture of the sealing-disc 18 by operating the handle 27, pressure gas presses back the spring-loaded valves 38 and inflates the chambers until the pressure in the system is equalized when the valves close. The chambers may be deflated by unscrewing endmembers 53 and pressing-back the valves 38. In another form applied to the inflation of a life-saving jacket, the rotation of a handle 93, Fig. 8, operates a cam 88 which presses forward a pin 84 to fracture a disc 80 and then in turn presses the spring-loaded valve 79 off its seat causing the rupture of a diaphragm closing the mouth of the gas-cylinder 64. Pressure fluid then flows past non-return valves in tubes 69, 70 to inflate the compartments of the jacket.