Abstract An arrangement for controlling fluid communication between the interior of a tubular member and interior of an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member including fluid passage means communicating from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of the inflatable element with valve means normally seated to close off flow from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of the inflatable element until a predetermined pressure has been exerted thereon. After the valve has been opened to communicate fluid from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of the inflatable element for inflation thereof, the valve closes when a predetermined relationship is reached between the pressure in the interior of the tubular member and externally of the tubular member. Locking means are provided to lock the valve in closed position and prevent further communication between the interior of the tubular member and interior of the inflatable element when the valve closes.
An arrangement for controlling fluid communication between the interior of a tubular member and the interior of an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member comprising: a. valve housing means adapted to be connected with a tubular member; b. there being first passage means in said valve housing for communicating fluid from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member; c. there being second passage means in said valve housing extending through said housing from the exterior and terminating in said first passage means; d. valve means positioned in said second passage means for controlling flow through said first passage means; e. means to retain said valve means in closed position to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of the inflatable element until a predetermined pressure is exerted in said first passage means against said valve means; f. spring means normally urging said valve toward closed position; and g. valve locking means responsive after said valve means has been opened and then moved to closed position for locking said valve in closed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An arrangement for controlling fluid communication between the interior of a tubular member and the interior of an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member comprising: a. valve housing means adapted to be connected with a tubular member; b. there being first passage means in said valve housing for communicating fluid from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member; c. there being second passage means in said valve housing extending through said housing from the exterior and terminating in said first passage means; d. valve means positioned in said second passage means for controlling flow through said first passage means; e. means to retain said valve means in closed position to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the tubular member to the interior of the inflatable element until a predetermined pressure is exerted in said first passage means against said valve means; f. spring means normally urging said valve toward closed position; and g. valve locking means responsive after said valve means has been opened and then moved to closed position for locking said valve in closed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 1 including frangible closure means closing off the first passage means to the interior of the tubular member.