US4582494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protected liquid-sensitive actuator for displacement responsive devices
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-07-13
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Granted: 1986-04-15
•
Expires: 2004-07-13
Abstract
Abstract A liquid-sensitive actuator for actuating a displacement responsive device, such as an inflator for a flotation device. The actuator comprises a sensing member within a housing which expands upon contact with a liquid entering the housing through an inlet. Expansion of the sensing member imparts displacement to the device and thereby causes its actuation. In the case of a flotation device, actuation may involve displacement of a trigger member to cause discharge of gas from a cartridge to deploy an inflatable cell. The sensing member may comprise a dried, compressed natural sponge member which expands rapidly and forcefully when immersed in water to actuate the device. A cover is provided for the housing which is movable between a latched, closed position substantially sealing the liquid inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into the housing. When the cover is in the closed position, the sensing member is physically immobilized to prevent premature activation of the actuator. The cover is maintained on the housing regardless of the position of the cover.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven A. Becnel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:01
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C9/00; B63C9/24; B01; B01J; B01J7/00; B01J7/02; F; F16; F16K; F16K13/00; F16K13/04; F16K13/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
In a liquid-sensitive actuator for activating a displacement responsive device upon immersion of said actuator in a liquid, said actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and activating means operatively coupled to said actuator for activating said displacement-responsive device when said moisture-sensitive sensing means senses the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a movable cover having a shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; and coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
In a liquid-sensitive actuator for activating a displacement responsive device upon immersion of said actuator in a liquid, said actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and activating means operatively coupled to said actuator for activating said displacement-responsive device when said moisture-sensitive sensing means senses the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a movable cover having a shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; and coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid-sensitive actuator of claim 1 wherein said liquid inlet is located along a side of said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The liquid-sensitive actuator of claim 1 wherein said cover is movable longitudinally telescopingly over said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The liquid-sensitive actuator of claim 1 wherein said cover includes latch means for maintaining said cover in said closed position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The liquid-sensitive actuator of claim 4 wherein said latch means includes a spring-biased push-button release device for releasing said cover from a closed position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The liquid-sensitive actuator of claim 1 wherein said activating means comprises movable follower means for activating said displacement responsive device, said moisture-sensitive sensing means effecting the movement of said follower means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a liquid-sensitive actuator for activating a displacement responsive device upon immersion of said actuator in a liquid, said actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and activating means operatively coupled to said actuator for activating said displacement-responsive device when said moisture-sensitive sensing means senses the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a movable cover having a shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion; and movable follower means for said activating means for activating said displacement responsive device; said moisture-sensitive sensing means effecting the movement of said follower means, said activating means further including keeper means for preventing movement of said follower means when said cover is closed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
191 words
In a liquid-sensitive actuator for activating a displacement responsive device upon immersion of said actuator in a liquid, said actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and activating means operatively coupled to said actuator for activating said displacement-responsive device when said moisture-sensitive sensing means senses the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a movable cover having a shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion; and movable follower means for said activating means for activating said displacement responsive device; said moisture-sensitive sensing means effecting the movement of said follower means, said activating means further including keeper means for preventing movement of said follower means when said cover is closed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The liquid-sensitive actuator of claim 7 wherein said follower means comprises a longitudinally movable actuating rod, and said keeper means comprises an internal projection on the inside of said cover which terminates adjacent the end of said actuation rod when said cover is closed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a liquid-activated device for discharging fluid from a container, the device having a liquid-sensitive actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and discharge means operatively coupled to said actuator for venting fluid from said container when activated by the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a cover having a movable shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; and coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a liquid-activated device for discharging fluid from a container, the device having a liquid-sensitive actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and discharge means operatively coupled to said actuator for venting fluid from said container when activated by the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a cover having a movable shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; and coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The liquid-activated device of claim 9 wherein said liquid inlet is located along a side of said housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The liquid-activated device of claim 9 wherein said cover is movable longitudinally telescopingly over said housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The liquid-activated device of claim 9 wherein said cover includes latch means for maintaining said cover in said closed position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The liquid-activated device of claim 12 wherein said latch means includes a spring-biased push-button release device for releasing said cover from a closed position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The liquid-activated device of claim 9 wherein said discharge means comprises movable follower means for activating said displacement responsive device, said moisture-sensitive sensing means effecting the movement of said follower means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
185 words
In a liquid-activated device for discharging fluid from a container, the device having a liquid-sensitive actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and discharge means operatively coupled to said actuator for venting fluid from said container when activated by the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a cover having a movable shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion; and movable follower means for said discharge means for activating said displacement responsive device, said moisture-sensitive sensing means effecting the movement of said follower means, said discharge means further including keeper means for preventing movement of said follower means when said cover is closed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
185 words
In a liquid-activated device for discharging fluid from a container, the device having a liquid-sensitive actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet and a moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, and discharge means operatively coupled to said actuator for venting fluid from said container when activated by the presence of liquid in said housing, the improvement comprising: a cover having a movable shutter portion adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into said housing; coupling means for coupling said cover to said housing and permitting movement of said shutter portion relative to said housing between a closed position substantially sealing said inlet and an open position to permit entry of liquid into said housing, said coupling means maintaining said cover in coupled relationship with said housing throughout the range of movement of said shutter portion; and movable follower means for said discharge means for activating said displacement responsive device, said moisture-sensitive sensing means effecting the movement of said follower means, said discharge means further including keeper means for preventing movement of said follower means when said cover is closed.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
44 words
The liquid-activated device of claim 15 wherein said follower means comprises a longitudinally movable actuating rod, and said keeper means comprises an internal projection on the inside of said cover which terminates adjacent the end of said actuation rod when said cover is closed.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a liquid-sensitive actuator for activating a displacement responsive device upon inversion of said actuator in a liquid, the actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet, moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, follower means movable in response to the sensing of liquid in the housing by said sensing means, and a movable cover adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into the housing, the improvement comprising keeper means associated with said cover for preventing movement of said follower means when said cover is in its closed position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
93 words
In a liquid-sensitive actuator for activating a displacement responsive device upon inversion of said actuator in a liquid, the actuator including a housing with a liquid inlet, moisture-sensitive sensing means in said housing, follower means movable in response to the sensing of liquid in the housing by said sensing means, and a movable cover adapted to close said inlet and substantially prevent the entry of moisture into the housing, the improvement comprising keeper means associated with said cover for preventing movement of said follower means when said cover is in its closed position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
A liquid-sensitive actuator according to claim 17 wherein said sensing means is an expandable element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
48 words
A liquid-sensitive actuator according to claim 18 wherein said follower means comprises a longitudinally movable actuating rod, said cover is longitudinally movable, and said keeper means comprises an internal longitudinal projection on said cover which terminates adjacent the end of said actuating rod when the cover is closed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-14 | 1989-10-14 | 1990-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-14 | 1993-10-14 | 1994-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-14 | 1997-10-14 | 1998-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |