Patent · US Expired

Non-fouling actuating mechanism

US4635443A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
6References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 10, 1985
Grant dateJan 13, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF15B2015/208
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An intermediate actuating metal bellows filled with a liquid is positioned between an explosive gas cartridge and an actuating piston in an ordnance ejector system. The bellows is miniaturized, light weight and of low spring rate. The liquid in the bellows creates a fluid pressure internal to the bellows equal to the gas pressure external to the bellows, and is of low compressibility, low viscosity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, wide operating temperature range and high thermal conductivity. The fluid-filled bellows transmits gas pressure to the piston but prevents damage to the piston and piston seals from the high-pressure, high-temperature erosive gas. The liquid in the bellows acts as a heat sink to protect the bellows; as a heat insulator reducing heat losses to the piston housing and insulating the piston and piston seals from high temperature; and as a lubricant for the piston and piston seals. Environmental pressures and temperatures of 18,000 psi and 4500.degree. F. can be repeatedly withstood, and less frequent disassembly, cleaning and replacement of system components are required.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.