Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
278 words
A thermal and shock resistant data recorder assembly characterised by including an inner container (2) defining an innermost cavity (4) containing at least one data recorder element (3) encapsulated in an Ester wax material operative to absorb heat by liquifaction when the temperature of the assembly exceeds a specific value and an outermost cavity (8) surrounding, but not in communication with, the innermost cavity (4), which outermost cavity (8) contains a first insulating material operative to absorb heat by release of water vapour when the temperature of the assembly exceeds a specific value, and an outer container (1) housing in the interior (8a) thereof, the inner container (2) and a surrounding layer (10) of a second insulating material which remains solid when heat is applied to the assembly, and which outer container interior (8a) is in fluid flow communication with the exterior thereof, with the innermost cavity (4) being in fluid flow communication with the outer container interior (8a) to permit escape thereto of a limited amount of the Ester wax material when liquid to minimise shear damage to the at least one data recorder element (3), with the innermost cavity (4) being in fluid flow communication with the outer container exterior via the outer container interior (8a) and second insulating material for pressure equalisation purposes and with at least one fusible material plug being provided between the outermost cavity (8) and the outer container interior (8a) operative to allow fluid flow communication, when the temperature of the assembly exceeds a specific value, to allow released water vapour to escape from the outermost cavity (8) and outer container interior (8a) to the exterior of the outer container (1).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
37 words
An assembly according to Claim 1, in which the Ester wax material comprises glyceryl tribehenate and calcium behenate which changes phase from solid to liquid at a temperature in the range from 105 to 130 degrees Centigrade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the first insulating material is magnesium sulphate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
An assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the second insulating material is a combination of fibrous material and particulate matter having a low thermal conductivity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to Claim 4, in which the second insulating material is MICROTHERM K (Registered Trademark).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
An assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the inner container (2) is in the form of an aluminium box with a removable access cover plate (6) through which is a vent (7) to provide said fluid flow communication.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
An assembly according to Claim 6, in which the innermost container box is compartmented to provide said innermost and outermost cavities (4,8), with the outer wall bounding the outermost cavity having at least one aperture therethrough provide with said fusible material plug.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the fusible material plug is made of an alloy having a melting point of substantially 104 degrees C.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
An assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 8, in which the outer container (1) is in the form of a titanium box with a removable access cover plate (12) provided with an outlet therethrough for a cable (13) which extends from said at least one data recorder element (3), through an outlet from the inner container (2), which outer container outlet provides the fluid flow communication between the interior and exterior of the outer container (1).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
An assembly according to Claim 9, in which the second insulating material is in the form of a hollow block with one wall (10a) removable to permit insertion and removal of the inner container (2) which is spring loaded against said removable wall (10a) which in turn bears on the outer container access cover plate (12).