Reusable initiator for use in triggering high-load actuators

• US 5,606,889 A
• Filed: 09/19/1995
• Issued: 03/04/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cooper Interconnect, Inc. (Eaton Corporation PLC.)
• Original Assignee: G-Tech Technology Corporation
• Inventors: Stephenson, Roger C., Bielinski, Slawomir J., McCormick, Larry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marmor, Charles A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Grabow, Troy E.
• Application Number:
  US08/530,064
• Time in Patent Office: 532 Days
• Field of Search: 74/2, 137/76, 337/1, 337/4, 403/2, 403/28
• US Class Current: 74/2
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/63 Frangible connections
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 17/00 Mechanical devices for moving a member after being released; Trip or release mechanisms characterised thereby
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1827 With heater for destructible or fusible element
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/21 Utilizing thermal characteristic, e.g. , expansion or contraction, etc.
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/11 Tripping mechanism

Abstract

The initiator (32) has a hollow spool housing (34) with sidewall slots (42,44) and within which is received a shaft (54) to be releasably retained. Spool segments (46,48) are placed within slots (42,44) and have parts extending into the housing bore (50) obstructingly engaging the shaft (54) preventing its removal. A spring coil (82) wound over the spool segments (46,48) holds them in place. Cartridge assembly (62) is releasably secured to the housing (34) and includes a link wire (72) for securing one end of the coil (82). The link wire (72) is destructible by passing an electric current therethrough exceeding a certain value.

Claims

1. Apparatus for initiating motion of an object subjected to a force, comprising:

spool housing means having a bore of sufficient dimensions for the object to be slidingly received therein, and an opening extending between the bore and the exterior;

spool segment means releasably fitting into the housing means opening with parts extending into the bore for obstructingly engaging the object;

a coil of spring wire received about the spool segment means, one end of the wire being secured to the spool housing means; and

cartridge means releasably mounted to the housing by a bolt the cartridge means including an insulative body, a link wire secured to said insulative body with a loop extending outwardly of said body, and an insulative spool with a central opening through which the other end of the coil wire is lockingly engaged and to which the link wire is secured;

on breakage of the link wire the coil assumes a larger helical diameter releasing the segment means and the object.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, in which the cartridge means insulative spool includes an outwardly facing peripheral groove within which the link loop is located.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1, in which the one end of the wire coil is formed into a loop that is secured to a pedestal on the housing means.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1, in which the cartridge means insulative body is constructed of a ceramic material.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1, in which the link wire is constructed of stainless steel.

6. Apparatus for initiating motion of an object subjected to a force, comprising:

spool housing means with a bore of sufficient dimensions for receiving the object slidingly therein, and including an opening extending between the bore and the exterior;

spool segment means releasably fitting into the housing means opening with parts extending into the bore for obstructingly engaging the object;

a coil of spring wire compressingly received about the spool segment means, one end of the wire being secured to the spool housing means; and

cartridge means mounted to the housing means outwardly of the coil of spring wire and free from compression from the coil of spring wire, the cartridge means, including an insulative body, a link wire secured to said insulative body with a loop extending outwardly of said body, and an insulative spool to which the link wire is secured, said spool having a central opening through which the other end of the spring wire coil is lockingly engaged;

on breakage of the link wire the coil assumes a larger helical diameter releasing the segment means and the object.