Hydrostatic release mechanism
US6878024B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B23/58
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydrostatic release mechanism is provided which comprises a sealed housing having an interior volume and a tunnel adapted to receive a tether extending therethrough. A depth sensor is mounted to the sealed housing and has a diaphragm covering an opening between the interior volume and the ambient conditions. A trigger is contained within the sealed housing and is operably connected to the diaphragm and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism is actuated by movement of the trigger in response to inward movement of the diaphragm when the pressure on the diaphragm exceeds a predetermined force. The firing mechanism includes a piston having a blade which moves in response to the expanding gases from a pyrotechnic cartridge and passes through the tunnel thereby severing the tether extending therethrough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.