GB808367A - Improvements in or relating to inflation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

808,367. Centrifugal compressors; turbines. KIDDE CO. Ltd., W. April 25, 1957 [April 30, 1956], No. 13156/56. Classes 110 (1) and 110 (3). An inflation device comprises a stationary body adapted to be secured in the wall of an inflation bag, an impulse turbine wheel mounted for rotation in the body, a centrifugal impeller driven by the turbine wheel, a valve arranged between the impeller and the turbine wheel, and a jet nozzle adapted to direct gas from a highpressure supply on to the turbine wheel. The housing 8, Fig. 1, of the device is secured in the wall 9 of an inflation bag, such as an inflatable tent, by means of a ring 10. Gas from a highpressure supply, such as a gas bottle, is supplied through a pipe 6 to the nozzle 5, Fig. 3, of an impulse turbine. The turbine rotor 1 drives a centrifugal impeller 11. Instead of being direct, the drive may be through gearing. The impeller 11 draws in air through an inlet 14 and delivers it past a flexible valve 15 carried by the impeller and through diffuser blades 17. When the impeller has dropped to a speed at which it is incapable of forcing further air past the valve 15, the latter closes against an annular seating 16. The braking action caused by the initial partial engagement of the valve 15 with its seating increases the pressure differential tending to cause closure, resulting in a quick closure with minimum loss of gas. Specification 788,555 is referred to.