US3599419A - Chemo-mechanical timer - Google Patents
Chemo-mechanical timer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3599419A US3599419A US827395A US3599419DA US3599419A US 3599419 A US3599419 A US 3599419A US 827395 A US827395 A US 827395A US 3599419D A US3599419D A US 3599419DA US 3599419 A US3599419 A US 3599419A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rivet
- pellet
- chemical
- moisture
- chemo
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 abstract description 17
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- ORTQZVOHEJQUHG-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) chloride Chemical class Cl[Cu]Cl ORTQZVOHEJQUHG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 3
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910021578 Iron(III) chloride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 cupric chloride Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229960003280 cupric chloride Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010574 gas phase reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- RBTARNINKXHZNM-UHFFFAOYSA-K iron trichloride Chemical compound Cl[Fe](Cl)Cl RBTARNINKXHZNM-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003232 water-soluble binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J7/00—Apparatus for generating gases
- B01J7/02—Apparatus for generating gases by wet methods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B22/00—Buoys
- B63B22/04—Fixations or other anchoring arrangements
- B63B22/08—Fixations or other anchoring arrangements having means to release or urge to the surface a buoy on submergence thereof, e.g. to mark location of a sunken object
- B63B22/10—Water soluble or water weakened means, i.e. buoy released by buoy-to-object securing means being destroyed on contact with water
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/18—Inflatable equipment characterised by the gas-generating or inflation device
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/001—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by volume variations caused by an element soluble in a fluid or swelling in contact with a fluid
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
- F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
- F42C9/00—Time fuzes; Combined time and percussion or pressure-actuated fuzes; Fuzes for timed self-destruction of ammunition
- F42C9/08—Time fuzes; Combined time and percussion or pressure-actuated fuzes; Fuzes for timed self-destruction of ammunition the timing being caused by chemical action, e.g. of acids
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
- G04F1/00—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers
- G04F1/02—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers by consuming prefixed quantities of materials, e.g. by burning candle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B2209/00—Energy supply or activating means
- B63B2209/12—Energy supply or activating means with time-delay
Definitions
- the present invention performs such functions.
- the moisture entering the apparatus initiates a reaction in a pellet, of a corrosive salt for example.
- the corrosive salt attacks an element of the apparatus, such as an aluminum rivet for example.
- the element is progressively weakened to the point where it can no longer restrain a part and lets go.”
- FIG. I is a view of the invention in partial cross section
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the invention.
- Body member I is provided with a recess 2 to receive the basic components of the invention.
- the components comprise a rivet or other securing device 4, a pellet 5, a membrane 6 and a retainer 7 having moisture access holes 8 therein. Moisture from the surrounding environment enters through holes 8 in retainer 7, penetrates membrane 6, and softens or dissolves pellet 5.
- Pellet 5, of cupric chloride salt for example is corrosive with respect to rivet 4 which may be made of an aluminum alloy for example.
- the basic device can be tailored for a broad range of applicationsand time delay periods.
- the water vapor permeability properties of membrane 6, membrane thickness, and membrane area provide one set of design variables which tailor the time delay period.
- the width of the airgap between the pellet and rivet head provides another time delay design variable.
- the size of the rivet head affects the time required for it to be consumed to release-member 3.
- the storage environment may consist of a simple, sealed, impermeable, bag or container and an adequate amount of desiccant. It is also possible, depending on pellet formulation, to store the timer in a frozen state with the unit coming to life after thawing, or to store the timer in a moist or wet environment with the chemical action occurring as the timer dries out.
- time delay action results from a water or vapor induction period, followed by a gas phase chemical reaction, and then a liquid phase chemical reaction, the effect of variations in environmental humidity level on the time delay period is reduced.
- the pellet may consist of a suitable corrosive salt, e.g. cupric chloride,
- ferric chloride etc.
- inert f llers such as silica flour to insure pellet integrity and to provide adequate granular surface area, water soluble binders, and desiccant additives.
- Chemical-mechanical timer apparatus comprising a body member, a mechanical coupling member, a securing device having a portion adapted to be chemically attacked securing said coupling member to said body'member, means to weaken said securing device during a period of time to permit separa tion of said body member and said coupling member, said means comprising a chemical material adapted to be actuated upon a change of environmental moisture conditions, said chemical material comprising a corrosive salt soluble in said environmental moisture and in proximity to said securing device such that said corrosive salt, upon actuation by environmental moisture, chemically attacks said securing device and weakens same during said period of time, at the end of which said securing device structurally fails and releases said mechanical coupling member.
- said chemical material further comprises an inert filler and a moisture soluble binder.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Drying Of Gases (AREA)
Abstract
A chemical-mechanical timing device for automatically releasing a retained member at the end of a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes a chemical pellet, and associated rivet, which are kept dry until the timing action is to begin. Then the pellet is exposed to the moisture in the ambient air, or water for underwater devices, and a chemical action is initiated between the pellet and rivet. The rivet is partially consumed and weakened to the point of releasing a retained member.
Description
gnited States Patent [72], Inventor Keith D. Anderson Upland, Calif. 12 l 1 Appl, No. 827,395 1221 Filed May 23. 1969 [45 Patented Aug. 17. 1971 173 l Assignee The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army i541 CHEMO-MECHANICALTIMER 5 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.
15 ,1 58/111, 23/2529. 51 604i 1/02 [501 FieldotSearch. zztlrs; 9/317, 323; 23/252 11.230 C'.58/l R l 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,d37,534.12ll943 Barber .Q
3,018,611 [/1962 Biritz I t v H 58/1 R 3.520.124 7/1970 Myers H 58/111 FORElGN PATENTS 540,583 5/1957 Canada 58/1 R Primary Examiner- Morris 0 Wolk Assistant Examiner Barry S. Richman Auorneys- Harry M. Saragovitz, Edward J. Kelly, Herbert Berl and Robert P Gibson ABSTRACT: A chemical-mechanical timing device for automatically releasing a retained member at the end of a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes a chemical pellet, and associated rivet, which are kept dry until the timing action is to begin. Then the pellet is exposed to the moisture in the ambient air, or water for underwater devices, and a chemical action is initiated between the pellet and'rivet. The rivet is partially consumed and weakened to the point of releasing a retained member.
ft'scret e' gap I t f e we n rzve and BRIEF SUMMARY dropped into a body of water.
The present invention performs such functions. The moisture entering the apparatus initiates a reaction in a pellet, of a corrosive salt for example. The corrosive salt attacks an element of the apparatus, such as an aluminum rivet for example. The element is progressively weakened to the point where it can no longer restrain a part and lets go."
It is an object of this invention to provide a chemicalmechanical timing device as set out above which is simple in operation, inexpensive to mass-produce, reliable in operation, small insize and light in weight. Such device has no springs or such energy sources, or gear trains or similar mechanical parts. In the drawing:
FIG. I is a view of the invention in partial cross section;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the invention.
Body member I is provided with a recess 2 to receive the basic components of the invention. The basic parts, including rivet 4, hold a mechanical coupling or securing member 3 fixed to body I. The components comprise a rivet or other securing device 4, a pellet 5, a membrane 6 and a retainer 7 having moisture access holes 8 therein. Moisture from the surrounding environment enters through holes 8 in retainer 7, penetrates membrane 6, and softens or dissolves pellet 5. Pellet 5, of cupric chloride salt for example, is corrosive with respect to rivet 4 which may be made of an aluminum alloy for example.
OPERATION When the quantity of water or vapor entering the cavity has reached a critical value the pellet constituents initiate a gas phase chemical reaction with the metal rivet. The gas phase reaction forms reaction products which are very hygroscopic, hence a small bubble is formed on the rivet head. The bubble grows until it closes the gap between the rivet head and the pellet. When the bubble attaches to the pellet the reaction rate increases markedly and the rivet is consumed or weakened to the point that member 3 breaks away.
The basic device can be tailored for a broad range of applicationsand time delay periods. The water vapor permeability properties of membrane 6, membrane thickness, and membrane area, provide one set of design variables which tailor the time delay period. The width of the airgap between the pellet and rivet head provides another time delay design variable.
The size of the rivet head affects the time required for it to be consumed to release-member 3.
The storage environment may consist of a simple, sealed, impermeable, bag or container and an adequate amount of desiccant. it is also possible, depending on pellet formulation, to store the timer in a frozen state with the unit coming to life after thawing, or to store the timer in a moist or wet environment with the chemical action occurring as the timer dries out.
Inasmuch as the time delay action results from a water or vapor induction period, followed by a gas phase chemical reaction, and then a liquid phase chemical reaction, the effect of variations in environmental humidity level on the time delay period is reduced.
To give examples of materials which may be used, the pellet may consist of a suitable corrosive salt, e.g. cupric chloride,
ferric chloride, etc., with inert f llers such as silica flour to insure pellet integrity and to provide adequate granular surface area, water soluble binders, and desiccant additives.
lclaim: 1
l. Chemical-mechanical timer apparatus comprising a body member, a mechanical coupling member, a securing device having a portion adapted to be chemically attacked securing said coupling member to said body'member, means to weaken said securing device during a period of time to permit separa tion of said body member and said coupling member, said means comprising a chemical material adapted to be actuated upon a change of environmental moisture conditions, said chemical material comprising a corrosive salt soluble in said environmental moisture and in proximity to said securing device such that said corrosive salt, upon actuation by environmental moisture, chemically attacks said securing device and weakens same during said period of time, at the end of which said securing device structurally fails and releases said mechanical coupling member.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said chemical material further comprises an inert filler and a moisture soluble binder.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said chemical material further comprises a desiccant additive.
4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said securing device comprises a rivet with a head adjacent to said corrosive salt.
5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said rivet comprises an aluminum alloy.
Claims (4)
- 2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said chemical material further comprises an inert filler and a moisture soluble binder.
- 3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said chemical material further comprises a desiccant additive.
- 4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said securing device comprises a rivet with a head adjacent to said corrosive salt.
- 5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said rivet comprises an aluminum alloy.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US82739569A | 1969-05-23 | 1969-05-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3599419A true US3599419A (en) | 1971-08-17 |
Family
ID=25249107
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US827395A Expired - Lifetime US3599419A (en) | 1969-05-23 | 1969-05-23 | Chemo-mechanical timer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3599419A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4019001A (en) * | 1975-05-05 | 1977-04-19 | I-T-E Imperial Corporation | Pneumatic timer |
| EP1425527A2 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2004-06-09 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Bobbin for automatic inflator |
| US20090043168A1 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-12 | Israel Ramos | Self-releasing tourniquet and method |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2337534A (en) * | 1941-06-14 | 1943-12-28 | Alfred W Barber | Device for indicating exposure time of printed pages |
| CA540583A (en) * | 1957-05-07 | Minister Of National Defence | Galvanic time release | |
| US3018611A (en) * | 1962-01-30 | Timer device and method for determination | ||
| US3520124A (en) * | 1969-02-13 | 1970-07-14 | Sumner Myers | Timer device |
-
1969
- 1969-05-23 US US827395A patent/US3599419A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA540583A (en) * | 1957-05-07 | Minister Of National Defence | Galvanic time release | |
| US3018611A (en) * | 1962-01-30 | Timer device and method for determination | ||
| US2337534A (en) * | 1941-06-14 | 1943-12-28 | Alfred W Barber | Device for indicating exposure time of printed pages |
| US3520124A (en) * | 1969-02-13 | 1970-07-14 | Sumner Myers | Timer device |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4019001A (en) * | 1975-05-05 | 1977-04-19 | I-T-E Imperial Corporation | Pneumatic timer |
| EP1425527A2 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2004-06-09 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Bobbin for automatic inflator |
| EP1425527A4 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2005-11-16 | Halkey Roberts Corp | Bobbin for automatic inflator |
| US20090043168A1 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-12 | Israel Ramos | Self-releasing tourniquet and method |
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