US3567158A

US3567158A - Automatic system

Info

Publication number: US3567158A
Application number: US800486A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jan R Coyle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: JAN R COYLE
Priority date: 1969-02-19
Filing date: 1969-02-19
Publication date: 1971-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 1988-03-02
Also published as: CH523817A; CA918285A; NL6913558A; DE2005289A1; FR2031510B1; GB1267040A; FR2031510A1

Abstract

An automatic system in which a device is automatically actuated upon immersion of a water activated switch. Such a system which is energized by a normally inactive battery. Such a system in which the device is a canopy release buckle.

Description

United States Patent 2,480,407 8/1949 Fraser.......................... 244/148X 3,059,814 10/1962 Ponceletal...

[72] lnventor Jan R. Coyle San Dimas, Calif. (P. O. Box 297, Milford, Utah 84751) 800,486

3,153,395 10/1964 Karp.............. 3,395,640 8/1968 Taylor.......................,..

[21] Appl. No. [22] Filed 3,404,439 10/1968 Jones et a1.

Feb. 19, 1969 [45] Patented Mar.2, 1971 3,449,777 6/1969 l-lattori.........................

Primary ExaminerMilton Buchler Assistant Examiner-Carl A. Rutledge Attorney-Newton H. Lee, Jr.

[54] AUTOMATIC SYSTEM 9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

[51] Int. [50] Fieldol'Search............................................

ABSTRACT: An automatic system in which a device is automatically actuated upon immersion of a water activated switch.

Such a system which is energized by a normally inactive bat tery.

si HM n ,7 .9 1 1 n ,2 7 40 4 1 2 .2 52 82 m 5 .n l v C u m 0.2 n a m (9 k 2 m 2 2 1 2 n B Such a system in which the device is a canopy release buck-1e.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1945 Alderfer................,......

l-Ieretofore, there has been a need for an automatic operating system for effecting various functions inresponse to immersion of a control or switching means ina conductive liquid. As examples, there has been a need for personnel survival equipment for use by airmen and others in aircraft which under which there is need for unique operational dependence between a device to be actuated. and a system for automatically activating the device.

More particularly, canopy releases or buckles heretofore available have been ineffective to enable the release of an airman from his parachute harness unlessthe airman could 2 manually release the buckle, since the buckles were not susceptible of automatic operation. Likewise, flotation gear used by airmen or crewmen on navy vessels, as examples, have in all practical respects required manual operation, since efforts to provide an automatic system have been unsuccessful. 2 5

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention obviates the foregoing and other longstanding problems byproviding a unique combination ofa device capable of automatic operation, a source of electrical potential to operate the device, and a control switching system which is wholly insensitive to its environment except upon immersion in a conductive liquid.

More particularly, the invention also contemplates as a power source a wholly inactive battery having,f0r all practical purposes, unlimited shelf like, with resultant system reliability.

As a specific example of the foregoing, the invention provides a canopy release system which includes-complemental buckle parts or fittings, two pair of whichare employed inv securing the usual safety gear to an airmanfs shoulders, such gear involving a parachute pack, and in someinstances-a survival kit incorporated in a seatlike package. The invention contemplates the use of buckles of the type disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 800,398, filed concurrently herewith for AUTOMATIC CANOPY RELEASE. The actuation of the buckles is accomplished, for example, by means of a water activated system as disclosed'in my copending application Ser. No. 752,551, filed Aug. 14, 1968 for LIQUID AC- TIVATED SYSTEM.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in perspective illustrating an airman in an ejection seat and wearing equipment made in accordance with the invention 55.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view in perspectiveillustrating in greater detail the application of the invention to the airmans survival equipment; j

FIG. 3, for reference, is atop plan of 'a canopy release buckle adapted for operation in accordance with the inven-. 60

FIG. 8 is a detail view in perspective illustrating the locking 70 key of the buckle of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 9 is a detail view in perspective of the unlocking cam thereof; V a i j FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a switch system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan of a thermal battery for use in the invention;

FIG. 12 is a section on the line 12-12 of FIG. 10, the battery being shown in elevation; and

FIG. 13 is a view like FIG. 12, but showing the firing mechanism following operation thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. 1, the invention is illustrated in conjunction with an airman seated upon a typical ejection seat S by which the airman may be ejected from an aircraft in the event of emergency. The airman wears aso-called torso harness 1 which in effect constitutes a jacket worn by the airman to which a male buckle part 2 of a canopy release or buckle assembly B is secured, the female buckle part 3 being, as best illustrated in FIG. 2, in each case carried by shoulder straps 4 which are a part of a parachute pack assembly 5 adapted to be secured to the airman. The parachute pack 5 is secured by straps 6 to the usual airmans survival kit or seat 7 which is secured to the airman by lap harness denoted at 8, including male and female buckle parts 2a and 3a which may be constructed in the same manner as the buckle assemblies B previously referred to. Except for the buckle assemblies previously referred to, the structure thusfar described is conventional, including the provision of the usual manual parachute rip cord and pull ring designated 9 and the usual oxygen and communications fittings respectively designated 10 and 11.

The survival kit 7 includes provision for emergency oxygen supply by the pulling of a lanyard 12, and internally thereof the seat kit is adapted to contain certain life support equipment such as a life raft, a signal generator and the like. In addition, the airman personally wears a flotation vest as indicated at 13. i

As will be hereinafter described, the buckle parts 2 and 3 and, if desired, the buckle parts 2a and 3a, are adapted to be automatically separated in response to the closure of a switch assembly generally denoted at 14, the source of electrical energy being supplied in the illustrative embodiment from a battery 15 which may be energized by the pulling of a lanyard portion 16 of the oxygen lanyard assembly 12. Electricity is conducted to the buckle sections 3. and 3a from an electrical conductor cable system designated 17 and 17a whereby upon energization of the switch assembly 14 the canopy release buckles, as well as the lap buckles, may be automatically released. In order to energize the switch assembly 14 electrodes 18 are provided in conductors 20 leading from the switch assembly and suitably affixed to the seat kit assembly 7 so as to be immersed in water'when the airman lands in the water following ejection from an aircraft.

The switch assembly 14 may be more particularly constructed in accordance with the disclosure of the copending application for US. Pat. Ser. No. 752,551, filed Aug. 14, 1968, and the buckle assemblies may be more particularly constructed in accordance with the disclosure of application for US. Pat. Ser. No. 722,969, filed Apr. 22, I968 or in the pending application for US. Pat. Ser. No. 800,398, filed concurrently herewith. The lap buckle assembly 2a, 3a may be correspondingly constructed. The battery is more particularly made in accordance with the disclosure of application for US. Pat. Ser. No. 800,555, filed concurrently herewith.

It will be recognized that the canopy release buckles B and the lap .buckle assembly 2a, 3a constitute devices which are uniquely operationally dependent upon the switch assembly 14. While a source of electricity may be provided from an aircraft or other suitable source, the source is herein illustrated as the battery 15, the battery energizing the switch assembly 14 and the switch assembly therefore being uniquely operationally dependent on the battery as its source of electricity. By the same token, it will be appreciated that other devices other than the buckles B or 2a, 3a may be energized in response to operation of the switch assembly 14, the latter either being charged from the battery 15 or some other suitable source. For example, the flotation vestl3 may be uniquely adapted for inflation in response to closure of the switch assembly 14. In addition, other devices enclosed within the survival kit 7 may be uniquely adapted for combination with the switch assembly 14 and/or a battery such as the battery 15, whereby such devices will be automatically actuated upon immersion in water or upon ejection from the aircraft.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3 through 9, there is illustrated a buckle construction representative of the buckles B and the lap buckle assembly 2a, 3a. The buckle assemblies B, as previously indicated, include the male part 2 and the female part 3 associated with the torso harness 1 and the shoulder straps 4, respectively. Each of the buckle parts 2 and 3 has ears 20 adapted to support a crosspin 21 whereby the webbing or harness may be affixed to the respective buckle parts.

Generally speaking, the female buckle part 3 comprises a body 25 having a recess or cavity 26 adapted to receive a lug or projection 27 on the body 28 of the male buckle part 2. Slidably supported by the female buckle part body 25 is a latch or slide 29 adapted to engage the lug 27 to hold the same in the recess 26. As will be more particularly described hereinafter, actuator means generally denoted at 30 are provided whereby the slide 29 may be manually caused to shift inwardly with respect to the body 25 so as to release the male lug 27 from the recess 26; and, in addition, automatic means generally denoted at 31 are provided for effecting operation of the actuator means so that the buckles maybe released, notwithstanding the inability of the airman to personally effect operation of the manual means 30.

The female buckle body 25 has a rectangular recess or slide receiving pocket 32 therein adapted to slidably accommodate the slide 29, the slide 29 having a body portion 33 adapted to substantially fill the cavity 32 and a forward angularly disposed face 34 merging with an upper lip portion 35. The face 34 of the slide 29 is adapted to cooperate with a face 36 forming the forward angular surface of the cavity 26 into which the male lug 27 extends when the buckle is assembled. The lug 27 on the male buckle part 2 extends outwardly and downwardly at an angle so that its rearface 37 is adapted for abutting engagement with the face 36 within the female buckle part 3, and the outer face 38 of the lug 27 is adapted to be engaged by the angular underface 34 of the slide 29. Extended transversely of the buckle part 2 above the lug 27 is a channel 39 defined between an outstanding flange 40 on the buckle part body 28 and the upper portion of the lug 27, this channel 39 being adapted to receive the lip portion 35 of the slide 29, as seen in FIG. 4. In this construction the width of the male lug 27 is such that it will extend laterally into angularly disposed slots 27a formed at opposite extremities of the recess 26 whereby to effect engagement of the lug 27 with the body 25 to prevent hinging of the body parts. A closure plate 41 is adapted to overlie the cavity 32 of the female body section 25 and to be secured in place thereon by suitable fasteners 42 so as to confine the slide 29 within the female body 25. Means are provided for normally biasing the latch slide 29 forwardly toward the face 36 and, in the illustrative embodiment, such means includes a coiled compression spring 43, an end of which is disposed in a seat 44 formed in the rear wall of the female body cavity 32 and acting on the opposing wall of the latch slide 29.

Accordingly, it is apparent that the male buckle part lug 27 is adapted to be inserted into the female recess 26 against the opposing force provided by the spring 43 tending always to bias the latch slide forwardly. Following insertion of the lug 27 the spring 43 forces the latch slide to a latching position at which its lip 35 is disposed in the channel or groove 39 and the lug 27 is closely confined in the recess 26, as seen in FIG. 4. In order to release the lug 27 from the recess 26 it is required that the latch slide 29 be actuated rearwardly or away from the male buckle part 2 by the manual actuator means 30 or the automatic actuator means 31, these actuator means being so constructed as to avoid inadvertent operation thereof with resultant inadvertent release of the buckle assemblies.

The manual actuator means 30 is seen to comprise in the illustrative embodiment a pair of actuator plates respectively designated 50 and 60, these plates being preferably slidably disposed in a recess or cavity 70 in the upper surface of the closure plate 41 so as to be flush therewith. The slide plate 50 has a depending pin 51 extending downwardly through an elongated slot 71 in the closure plate 41, the plate 41 having a notch 71a extending laterally from the slot 71 in which the pin 51 is adapted to be disposed. Likewise, the plate 60 has a downwardly extended pin 61 disposed in the slot 71 and the latter at one end has a notch 71b opening laterally in the opposite direction from the notch 71a. These depending pins 51 and 61 are respectively slidably supported on transversely extended

support rods

52 and 62 which extend transversely across a cavity or chamber provided in the rear end of the latch slide 29. Oppositely working

springs

81,81 are provided on at least certain of the

pins

51 and 61 so as to normally bias the

plates

50 and 60 in opposite directions transversely of the buckle body 25. On the

respective plates

50 and 60 are oppositely facing

lug portions

53 and 63 which interengage and overlap a distance greater than either of the

plates

50, 60 is capable of moving, but less than the combined motion when both

plates

50 and 60 are shifted in directions to move the

pins

51 and 61 from the respective notches 71a, 71b into the elongated slot 71, as is apparent in FIG. 3.

Suitable means are provided for enabling the manual actuation of the

plates

50,60 so as to disengage the

pins

51, 61 from the notches 71a, 71b, whereby thereafter the

pins

51 and 61 are free to move longitudinally of the slot 71 to effect corresponding retraction of the latch slide 29 whereby to allow removal of the lug 27 from the recess 26. lllustratively, each of the

plates

50 and 60 is provided with an upstanding finger piece 50a and 60a whereby the

plates

50 and 60 may be manually shifted as aforesaid if it is desired that the buckle assembly B be manually opened. However, if the buckle assembly is to be operated in an automatic mode, then it is necessary that the same relative motion of the

pins

51 and 61 be accomplished automatically. In the illustrative embodiment the automatic actuator means 31 is adapted to effect such motion ofthe pins 51 and 61.

In the illustrative construction the automatic actuator means includes a cam

plate having arms

91 and 92 shiftably disposed in channels or

ways

93 and 94 in the hollow female body 25. This cam plate 90 includes a first camming surface 95 adapted to engage a downward extension 95a on the pin 51 and a second camming surface 96 adapted to engage a downward extension 96a extending downwardly from the pin 61. When the cam slide is moved from a retracted position to a projected position, as will hereinafter be described, the cam surfaces 95 and 96 effect movement of the

pins

51 and 61 from the notches 71a and 71b, and, thereafter, further projection of the cam plate 90 will effect retraction of the latch slide 29.

Means are provided to effect operation of the cam plate 90. In the illustrative embodiment the cam plate 90 is provided with a pyrotechnic device generally denoted at 102 disposed in a chamber 103 in the

respective arms

91 and 92 of the cam plate 90. This pyrotechnic device is adapted to be fired in response to the application of electrical current to leads 104, as seen in FIG. 4, which leads it will be appreciated are adapted to be incorporated in the conductor cable assembly 17 previously referred to leading from the switch assembly 14 to the female buckle part 3 and also leading to the female buckle part 3a of the lap buckle assembly. Preferably, the pyrotechnic devices 102, which are redundant in the illustrative embodiment since either of them is capable of effecting the desired movement of the cam plate 90, are so constructed as to prevent reverse movement of the latch slide 29 as is wellknown in the art of pyrotechnic devices useful herein.

In order to eliminate the possibility of camming action by the coengaged surfaces of the lug 27 and the recess 26 in response to axial strain tending to separate the buckle assembly, the buckle includes a key 105 which, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, is so constructed as to extend transversely of the lug 27, being-connected thereto by a lost-motion connection including a slot 106 and a pin 107. The key 105 is adapted to fit in a transversely extended groove 108 provided in the base wall 36 of the recess 26. At its upper end region the key 105 is provided with a transversely extended groove 109 formed by an overhanging lip 110 provided with an inwardly extended portion 111 formed on a radius. This lip 110, and

more particularly the radius portion 111, cooperates with a lip 112 formed on the slide plate 29 and providing a radius 113. The radius 113 and the radius 111 cooperate upon sliding movement of the latch plate 29 to a latched position to effectively move the key slightly in the groove 108, as permitted by the lost-motion connection previously described.

It will be understood that the buckle just described, the details and mode of operation of which are more fully described and illustrated in the above-mentioned pending applications, may be employed both as the parachute canopy release buckle B and the lap buckle 2a, 3a and that energization of the circuit including the conductor leads 104 will effect conductor 201 is a branch conductor 204 and another branch conductor 205 which leads to a ground conductor 206. ,In the conductor 205 is a capacitor C. lnterposed between the conductor 204 and one of the load conductors 104 which lead to the pyrotechnic devices for the buckles B, as previously described, is a normally open switch 207. One of the load conductors 104 leads to the ground conductor 206. A coil winding 208 of a relay generally denoted at 209 is connected to the conductor 206 and to one of a pair of conductors a which lead to the electrodes 20 previously described, the other of a pair of conductors 200 being connected to the capacitor C.

In this system it will be'noted that the capacitor .C'will be charged upon energization of the sourcev 200 from, for example, the battery 15, but the normally open switch 207 prevents energization of the load circuit 104- until such time as the electrodes 20 are immersed in a conductive fluid, whereby to complete the circuit from the capacitor C to the coil winding 208 of the relay 209, thereby closing the switch 207 At this time the capacitor C willenergize the load circuit 104, firing the pyrotechnic devices in the buckle B or 2a, 3a as the'case may be, or effecting the operation of such other device as may be combined with the switch of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11 through 13, the battery assembly 15 is more particularly illustrated. This battery includes a so-called thermal battery base 300 having terminals at 301 adapted for connection in circuit with the switch system of FIG. 10. This thermal battery is of the type adapted to generate electric potential responsive to the firing of a percussion cap 302. This percussion cap 302 is formed as part of a firing mechanism support including a base wall 303 and upstanding sidewalls 304, the percussion cap 302 being united with the base wall 303 and the latter being suitably affixed to the upper surface of the thermal battery 300. Extended between the sidewalls 304 is a pivot pin 305 on'which is pivotally mounted a striker arm 306 having a striker head 307 thereon. Acoiled compression spring 309 is disposed about the pivot pin 305 and normally acts on the striker arm 306 to force the same toward the percussion cap 302. Retainer means are provided for normally holding the firing arm 306 in a cocked condition, this means being illustrated in the form of a pin 310 extending through aligned openings in the sidewalls 304. In the practical utilization of the present invention, the retainerp in 310 is adapted to be connected to the lanyard portion l6 so-that upon ejection from the aircraft the firing arm 306 .will be released for forceful engagement with the firing cap 302. Such firing of the cap 302 will effect energization of the capacitor C of the switching system of FIG. 10.

Following energization of the capacitor C the same will remain energized for a substantial period of time until the relay 209 is energized to close the switch 207, when the electrodes 20 on the airmans survival kit or in some other convenient location are immersed in a body of water such as the .ocean. At this time the pyrotechnic devices 102 will be activated or fired effecting release of the buckles B and, if desired, the lap buckle 2a, 3a. in addition, it will be recognized that other devices may be uniquely operationally dependent upon the immersion of the electrodes 20 following charging of the otherwise passive switch system of FIG. 10.

While the specific details of an illustrative embodiment of the invention have been herein shown and described, changes and alterations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An automatic buckle release system comprising: buckle means including at least one buckle having interfitting male and female parts, latch means for releasably holding said parts together and shiftable to release said parts, lock means for releasably holding said latch means, actuator means for releasing said lock means to allow release of said latch means, said actuator means including electrically operated means, means for energizing said electrically operated means including a capacitor source of stored electrical energy, means for initially charging said capacitor source, and water activated normally open switch means electrically isolating said capacitor source from said electrically operated means and including a pair of electrodes for closing said switch means and connecting said source to said electrically operated means upon immersion of said electrodes in a body of water.

2. An automatic buckle release as defined in claim 1, including thermal battery means connected to said capacitor source for initially charging said capacitor source upon activation of said thermal battery means.

3. Anautomatic buckle release system as defined in claim 1, wherein said buckle means includes a plurality of said buckles,

. and circuit means connecting said electrically operated means of each of said buckles to said source.

4. A canopy release system to automatically release an airman from a parachute comprising: harness means adapted to be worn by the airman and having a first pair of buckle parts carriedthereby, a parachute pack including a harness having a second pair of buckle parts carried thereby and cooperable with said first pair of buckle parts to releasably connect the airman with the parachute, said buckles each having releasable latch means for holding the same connected, electrically operated means for releasing said latch means, means for energizing said electrically operable means including a capacitor source of stored electrical energy, normally open switch means interposed between said source and said electrically operable means and electrically isolating said capacitor source from said electrically operable means, and means for closing said switch means to release said latch means.

5. A canopy release system as defined in claim 4, wherein said means for closing said switch means includes a pair of electrodes, and switch closing means energized responsive to immersion of said electrodes in water.

6. A canopy release system as defined in claim 4, including means forming a seat for the airman and connected to said parachute pack, said means for closing said switch means including a pair of electrodes carried by said means forming a seat, and switch closing means energized responsive to immersion of said electrodes in water. I

7. A canopy release system as defined in claim 41, including means forming a seat for the airman and connected to said parachute pack, said means for energizing said electrically operable means being carried by said means forming a seat.

means associated with said battery means.

9. A canopy release system as defined in claim 8, wherein said thermal battery means includes removable means for preventing operation of said percussion producing means, and including lanyard means for removing said removable means.

Claims

3. An automatic buckle release system as defined in claim 1, wherein said buckle means includes a plurality of said buckles, and circuit means connecting said electrically operated means of each of said buckles to said source.

4. A canopy release system to automatically release an airman from a parachute comprising: harness means adapted to be worn by the airman and having a first pair of buckle parts carried thereby, a parachute pack including a harness having a second pair of buckle parts carried thereby and cooperable with said first pair of buckle parts to releasably connect the airman with the parachute, said buckles each having releasable latch means for holding the same connected, electrically operated means for releasing said latch means, means for energizing said electrically operable means including a capacitor source of stored electrical energy, normally open switch means interposed between said source and said electrically operable means and electrically isolating said capacitor source from said electrically operable means, and means for closing said switch means to release said latch means.

6. A canopy release system as defined in claim 4, including means forming a seat for the airman and connected to said parachute pack, said means for closing said switch means including a pair of electrodes carried by said means forming a seat, and switch closing means energized responsive to immersion of said electrodes in water.

7. A canopy release system as defined in claim 4, including means forming a seat for the airman and connected to said parachute pack, said means for energizing said electrically operable means being carried by said means forming a seat.

8. A canopy release system as defined in claim 4, including means forming a seat for the airman and connected to said parachute pack, thermal battery means carried by said means forming a seat and connected to said capacitor source to charge the latter, said thermal battery means being normally inactive and being responsive to percussion to produce a charge of electricity, and including percussion producing means associated with said battery means.