Collapsible/extendable aspirator system

• US 9,863,442 B2
• Filed: 07/17/2015
• Issued: 01/09/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Goodrich Corporation (Raytheon Technologies Corporation d/b/a RTX)
• Original Assignee: Goodrich Corporation (Raytheon Technologies Corporation d/b/a RTX)
• Inventors: Ruegsegger, Nick, Rautenbach, Helperus Ritzema
• Primary Examiner(s): Hansen, Kenneth J
• Application Number:
  US14/802,055
• Publication Number:
  US 20170016459A1
• Time in Patent Office: 907 Days
• Field of Search: 441 90, 137 6819- 69
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 2009/0076 Inflation devices making use of the Venturi-effect for enhancing the gas flow from the pressurized gas source by entraining ambient air, e.g. using eductor-jet pumps for decreasing inflation time
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 25/14 Inflatable escape chutes
• CPC Class Codes: F04F 5/20 for evacuating
• CPC Class Codes: F04F 5/46 Arrangements of nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: F04F 5/463 with provisions for mixing
• CPC Class Codes: F04F 5/48 Control

Abstract

An aspirator system is disclosed comprising a collapsible/extendable aspirator air channel, wherein a burstable seal for entrapping air across the exit channel is provided, wherein said entrapped air creates a pressure causing the aspirator to extend to its extended state, whereupon the seal bursts and opens the air channel.

Claims

1. An aspirator system comprising:

an air channel movable between a collapsed state and an extended state, said air channel comprising;

an aspirator body having a longitudinal axis,

an aspirator barrel in translating engagement with said aspirator body, and

a nozzle assembly disposed within said aspirator body, and configured to direct gas through said air channel; and

a pressure removable block, configured to seal said air channel in said collapsed state,

wherein said aspirator barrel is configured to extend from said aspirator body in response to a first pressure, said first pressure created in response to gas directed through said air channel against said pressure removable block, and

wherein said pressure removable block is configured to unseal said air channel in response to a second pressure, said second pressure created as gas is directed through said air channel against said pressure removable block, wherein said pressure removable block is a rupturable seal configured to tear upon application of said second pressure and bonded at an opening of said aspirator barrel.

2. The aspirator system of claim 1, wherein said aspirator barrel is configured to extend from said aspirator body from a first axial length to a second axial length that is longer than the first axial length along said longitudinal axis, wherein said second pressure is created upon extension of said aspirator barrel to said second axial length.

3. The aspirator system of claim 2, said aspirator body further comprising a rim configured to prevent said aspirator barrel from further translation upon extension of said aspirator barrel to said second axial length.

4. The aspirator system of claim 1, wherein said second pressure is greater than said first pressure.

5. The aspirator system of claim 1, wherein said rupturable seal is a fabric.

6. The aspirator system of claim 1, said rupturable seal comprising a weakened segment, wherein said rupturable seal is designed to tear at said weakened segment.

7. The aspirator system of claim 1, said aspirator barrel comprising an air channel exit, said pressure removable block disposed at the air channel exit and configured to seal said air channel at said air channel exit.

8. The aspirator system of claim 1, said aspirator barrel being collapsible, and at least partially retainable within said aspirator body.

9. The aspirator system of claim 1, further comprising an inflatable device configured to receive gas from said air channel.

10. The aspirator system of claim 1, said aspirator barrel comprising a first telescoping segment and a second telescoping segment,

said first telescoping segment configured to extend from and collapse into said aspirator body, and

said second telescoping segment configured to extend from and collapse into said first telescoping segment.

11. The aspirator system of claim 1, said air channel further comprising an interior lining member configured to fold in the collapsed state, and extend to form a smooth interior of said air channel in the extended state.

12. The aspirator system of claim 11, said interior lining member comprising a fabric.

13. The aspirator system of claim 1 further comprising an extension holder configured to apply a mechanical extension force on said air channel.

14. The aspirator system of claim 13, said extension holder comprising a spring.