WO2005105569A1 - Water activated inflator for inflatable device and method of air deployment - Google Patents

Water activated inflator for inflatable device and method of air deployment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005105569A1
WO2005105569A1 PCT/CA2005/000638 CA2005000638W WO2005105569A1 WO 2005105569 A1 WO2005105569 A1 WO 2005105569A1 CA 2005000638 W CA2005000638 W CA 2005000638W WO 2005105569 A1 WO2005105569 A1 WO 2005105569A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
gas cylinder
plunger
inflatable device
inflator
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CA2005/000638
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ed Medford
Ned Miljic
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Irvin Aerospace Canada Ltd
Original Assignee
Irvin Aerospace Canada Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Irvin Aerospace Canada Ltd filed Critical Irvin Aerospace Canada Ltd
Priority to CA002565100A priority Critical patent/CA2565100A1/en
Priority to AU2005237664A priority patent/AU2005237664B2/en
Priority to EP05738641A priority patent/EP1747143A4/en
Publication of WO2005105569A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005105569A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to AU2010241425A priority patent/AU2010241425A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B63C9/24—Arrangements of inflating valves or of controls thereof
    • 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
    • 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
    • B63C9/19—Arrangements for puncturing gas-generating cartridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B63B22/02—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel
    • 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
    • B63C2009/0023—Particular features common to inflatable life-saving equipment
    • B63C2009/0029—Inflation devices comprising automatic activation means, e.g. for puncturing gas-generating cartridges
    • B63C2009/0041—Inflation devices comprising automatic activation means, e.g. for puncturing gas-generating cartridges activated by presence of water
    • B63C2009/0058—Inflation devices comprising automatic activation means, e.g. for puncturing gas-generating cartridges activated by presence of water using means soluble in water, or weakening when wet

Definitions

  • This invention relates to air deployment of an inflatable device and in particular to a water activated inflator for use in an air deployable device and a method of air deployment using the same.
  • the inflation is initiated after a preset time interval elapses, predetermined at time of manufacturing the inflatable device based on an expected altitude of an airplane flying above the water surface such that the inflation starts shortly after impact of the container on the body of water.
  • the exact timing for initiating the inflation is a major problem of this method of air deployment using a timer. If the inflation is initiated too early, the device is inflated while still in the air resulting in the inflated device being blown away from a target zone in the presence of wind - even at a relatively small wind speed. On the other hand, if the inflation is initiated too late the container is floating on the surface for a considerable amount of time reducing the likelihood of the device being inflated in its proper orientation.
  • the inflator In order to quickly inflate a large floatation device such as a life raft, a large gas flow is needed. Therefore, the inflator has to rapidly open a sealing mechanism of a gas cylinder containing a large volume of gas under high pressure. In order to instantly and reliably create a large opening, it is preferred to provide a significant stroke to a valve - defining the opening - of the sealing mechanism, rather than piercing a sealing membrane. However, for providing a significant stroke a relatively strong force acting along a relatively long distance has to be applied. Timed actuators, explosive actuators, and electronic actuators are typically used to provide the force and distance required in inflating a large inflatable device.
  • a water activated inflator comprising: a housing having a connecting mechanism for mating with a neck of a gas cylinder; a gas cylinder opening device for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder, the gas cylinder opening device being disposed in the housing movable along a first axis having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position; a tension mechanism in mechanical communication with the housing and the gas cylinder opening device for providing tension acting along the first axis for moving the gas cylinder opening device from the cocked position to the fired position; a plunger for holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position, the plunger being disposed in the housing movable along a second axis having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position; a water soluble element for holding the plunger in the first position through mechanical communication along the second axis with the plunger and the housing; a conduit for providing water to the water soluble element;
  • a water activated inflatable device comprising: an inflatable device body; a gas cylinder in fluid communication with the inflatable device body; and, a water activated inflator comprising: a housing having a connecting mechanism mated with a neck of the gas cylinder; a gas cylinder opening device for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder, the gas cylinder opening device being disposed in the housing movable along a first axis having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position; a tension mechanism in mechanical communication with the housing and the gas cylinder opening device for providing tension acting along the first axis for moving the gas cylinder opening device from the cocked position to the fired position; a plunger for holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position, the plunger being disposed in the housing movable along a second axis having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position; a water soluble element for holding the plunger in the first
  • a method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device comprising: dropping from an airplane over a body of water a deployment container comprising an inflatable device body, a gas cylinder in fluid communication with the inflatable device body and a water activated inflator mated to a neck of the gas cylinder; deploying a parachute attached to the deployment container for aerodynamically braking the descent of the container and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container at impact on the body of water; activating the water activated inflator through contact with water after impact of the deployment container on the body of water; using the water activated inflator opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder; and, inflating the inflatable device.
  • a water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water comprising: an inflatable device body; a gas cylinder in fluid communication with the inflatable device body; a water activated inflator mated to a neck of the gas cylinder; a deployment container containing the inflatable device body, the gas cylinder and the water activated inflator, the deployment container comprising a conduit for enabling provision of water to the water activated inflator after impact of the deployment container on the body of water; and, a parachute attached to the deployment container for aerodynamically braking the descent of the deployment container and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container at impact on the body of water.
  • Using a water activated inflatable device according to the invention is highly beneficial for air rescue operations over a body of water.
  • the water activated inflator provides proper timing of the inflation shortly after impact independent of the height of the air plane at the time instant the inflatable device is dropped substantially increasing the likelihood of proper placement of the inflatable device in a target zone as well as substantially increasing safety of the rescue personnel in the airplane.
  • FIGS. la to lc are simplified block diagrams schematically illustrating a water activated inflator according to the invention.
  • Figures 2a to 2c are simplified block diagrams schematically illustrating various embodiments of interacting elements of the water activated inflator according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a water activated rescue kit according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a water activated rescue kit for air deployment according to the invention.
  • a preferred embodiment of a water activated inflator 100 is shown in a cocked position and a fired position, respectively.
  • the inflator 100 comprises a housing 102 having a connecting mechanism 104 for mating with a neck of a gas cylinder, not shown, attached thereto.
  • a gas cylinder opening device 106 for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder is disposed in a bore of the housing 102 along a first axis 108.
  • the gas cylinder opening device 106 is preferably designed using a steel cable, but not limited thereto, for being attached to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder.
  • the gas cylinder opening device 106 is movable along the first axis 108 between the cocked position, shown in Fig. la, and the fired position, shown in Fig. lb. Movement of the gas cylinder opening device 106 is realized using a tension mechanism 110 such as a compression spring in mechanical communication with the housing at point 112 and with the gas cylinder opening mechanism 106 through, for example, a ball 114 attached to the steel cable and a washer 116.
  • the tension mechanism 110 is designed to provide sufficient force F acting along a sufficiently long distance for instantly and reliably providing a significant stroke to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder.
  • the tension mechanism is partly accommodated in a tube 118 affixed to the housing 102 or, alternatively, the housing 102 is designed large enough to accommodate the complete tension mechanism 110.
  • the gas cylinder opening device 106 is held in the cocked position using a plunger 120.
  • the plunger 120 is disposed in a bore of the housing 102 and movable along a second axis 122 between a first position, shown in Fig. la, and a second position, shown in Fig. lb.
  • the second axis 122 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first axis 108.
  • it is possible to dispose the second axis at a different angle than 90° to the first axis as long as some conditions, which will be explained below, are fulfilled.
  • the plunger 120 is held in the first position through a water soluble element 124 - made of, for example, a sugar - disposed between the plunger 120 and a plug 126.
  • the plug 126 is, for example, screwed into a threaded bore of the housing 102 along the second axis 122.
  • the plug 126 comprises conduits 128 for enabling provision of water to the water soluble element 124. Alternatively, the conduits are disposed in the housing 102.
  • the gas cylinder opening device 106 is held in the cocked position through interaction of surface 130 of a first interacting element 132 in mechanical communication with the gas cylinder opening device 106 with surface 134 of a second interacting element 136 in mechanical communication with the plunger 120. As shown in Fig.
  • the interacting surface 130 is disposed at a predetermined angle a other than 0 or 90 degrees to the first axis 108.
  • the angle a is determined such that component ⁇ - acting along the second axis 122 - of force F N - component of the force F oriented normal to the surface 130 in contact point A and transmitted to the surface 134 - is sufficiently small to ensure structural integrity of the water soluble element in the cocked position but also sufficiently large to ensure movement of the plunger 120 when at least a portion of the water soluble element 124 is dissolved.
  • the first interacting element 132 comprises a frustocone in interaction with a half sphere forming the second interacting element 136.
  • Figs. 2a to 2b illustrate some alternative embodiments comprising various combinations of spherical and conical surfaces.
  • the embodiment shown in Figs, la to lc is preferred due to its simplicity to manufacture, provision of a predetermined angle at the contact point A and in comparison to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2c contact in one point instead of a line minimizing static friction at the instant of firing.
  • the connecting mechanism 104 comprises a tube affixed to the housing as shown in Figs, la and lb.
  • the tube is made of a flexible material such as a steel wire mesh and used in combination with a steel cable for the gas cylinder opening mechanism 106, substantially facilitating installation of the inflator 100 in the usually confined space of a deployment container.
  • the inflator 100 is connected via connecting mechanism 104 to the neck of a gas cylinder with the gas cylinder opening device being connected to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder.
  • the inflator 100 is in the cocked position with the tension mechanism 110 under compression and held in this position by the plunger 120, as shown in Fig. la. Additionally, the plunger 120 is locked in the first position through safety pin 140 such that a portion of the component Fi is still acting on the water soluble element 124 in order to avoid impact of the plunger 120 on the water soluble element 124 during removal of the safety pin 140.
  • the safety pin 140 is removed.
  • a pull cord not shown, attached to the safety pin 140 and a vessel or airplane carrying the inflatable device is used allowing removal of the safety pin 140 after dropping the inflatable device.
  • the water soluble element 124 starts to dissolve loosing its structural integrity and allowing force Fi to push the plunger 120, thus, enabling the tension mechanism 110 to instantly pull the gas cylinder opening mechanism 106 into the fired position shown in Fig. lb.
  • the water activated inflator 100 according to the invention is highly beneficial for air deployment of a life raft by providing a safe, reliable, compact, light weight and simple apparatus which is very cost effective to manufacture. It allows use of a very simple water soluble element as trigger in a device providing strong force acting along a large distance. Furthermore, the device is easily adaptable to a different stroke by only adjusting the angle a of the interacting surface allowing use of same parts of the inflator for different applications. [0024] Referring to Fig. 3, a water activated inflatable device 200 according to the invention is shown.
  • a deployment container 202 contains a folded inflatable device body 204 in fluid communication with a gas cylinder 206 comprising a compressed gas such as, for example, CO 2 , N , or air.
  • a water activated inflator 100 according to the invention is connected to the neck of the gas cylinder 206.
  • the bottom of the deployment container 202 comprises a conduit 208 in order to provide water to the inflator 100 after impact of the container 202 on a body of water.
  • Pull cord 210 is attached to the safety pin of the water activated inflator 100. In use, the pull cord is preferably attached to a vessel or airplane carrying the water activated inflatable device 200, allowing automatic removal of the safety pin when the kit is dropped overboard.
  • the gas cylinder 206 and the water activated inflator 100 are placed in the bottom portion of the deployment container 202 resulting in the center of gravity of the deployment container and its contents being located below a center of buoyancy of a portion or the complete container 202 immersed in water. This results in a more stable orientation of the container 202 when immersed or floating and, furthermore, the inflator is more quickly in contact with water after impact.
  • a water activated inflatable device 300 for air deployment is shown.
  • a deployment container 302 contains a folded inflatable device body 304 in fluid communication with a gas cylinder 306 comprising a compressed gas.
  • a water activated inflator 312 - preferably of the design shown in Figs, la to lc - is connected to the neck and the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder306.
  • the bottom of the container 306 comprises a conduit 308 to enable provision of water to the inflator 312 after impact of the container 302 on a body of water.
  • a top portion of the container 302 comprises a folded parachute 314 for aerodynamically braking the descent of the container 302 and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container 302 at impact on a body of water.
  • Affixed to the folded parachute 314 is a pull cord 316 for being attached to the airplane.
  • a pull cord 310 for removing a safety pin of the inflator 312 affixed thereto.
  • pull cords 310 and 316 are combined.
  • the water activated inflatable device 300 comprises a release mechanism operated by the inflator 312 for opening the deployment container 302.
  • the deployment container 302 is pushed open by the impact on the water or by the inflating life raft.
  • the deployment container 302 has cords affixed thereto for attachment to deployment containers of other water activated inflatable devices in order to connect a plurality of water activated inflatable devices for deployment.
  • a water activated water activated inflatable device 300 as described above is employed for executing the method.
  • the water activated water activated inflatable device 300 is dropped from an airplane over a body of water in a target zone where survivors are suspected.
  • pull cord 316 pulls the folded parachute 314 from the deployment container 302 for deployment through interaction with the airflow around the falling deployment container 302.
  • Pulling action on pull cord 310 removes the safety pin from the inflator 312.
  • a same pull cord is used for deploying the parachute as well as for removing the safety pin.
  • the water activated inflatable device 300 is deployed in various different ways, for example, by release from a loading bay of a transport plane or helicopter, or from a release mechanism mounted to the outside of an airplane at the fuselage or under a wing. Deployment of the parachute provides aerodynamically braking of the descent of the water activated inflatable device 300 and ensures a predetermined orientation of the deployment container 302 at impact on the body of water. After impact, the deployment container 302 is first immersed in the body of water, then bopping in the water and finally floating on the water surface. After impact water is provided through the conduit 308 to the inflator dissolving a water soluble element of the inflator.
  • the tension mechanism of the inflator is capable of pushing the plunger and, thus, moving the gas cylinder opening device for providing a sufficient stroke to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder.
  • a large opening of the gas cylinder is provided instantly after dissolving a portion of the water soluble element enabling quick inflation of the inflatable device body 304.
  • the inflator 312 and conduit 308 are placed such that the water soluble element is exposed to water within a short time interval after impact.
  • the deployment container 302 is opened prior inflation of the inflatable device 304 through the force acting at impact or using an opening mechanism activated by the inflator. Alternatively, the deployment container 302 is opened through expansion of the inflating device 304.
  • Using a water activated inflatable device according to the invention is highly beneficial for air rescue operations over a body of water.
  • the water activated inflator provides proper timing of the inflation shortly after impact independent of the height of the air plane at the time instant the water activated inflatable device is dropped substantially increasing the likelihood of proper placement of the inflatable device in a target zone as well as substantially increasing safety of the rescue personnel in the airplane.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water activated inflator and a method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device. A gas cylinder opening device for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder is disposed in the housing movable along a first axis having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position. A tension mechanism provides tension acting along the first axis for moving the gas cylinder opening device from the cocked position to the fired position. A plunger is holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position. The plunger is movable along a second axis having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position. A water soluble element is holding the plunger in the first position. A first interacting surface of the gas cylinder opening device is disposed at a predetermined angle to the first axis. A second interacting surface of the plunger is in contact with the first interacting surface at the predetermined angle. The angle is determined such that a component along the second axis of a component of the tension acting onto the second interacting surface is within a predetermined range for ensuring structural integrity of the water soluble element in the cocked position and for ensuring movement of the plunger when at least a portion of the water soluble element is dissolved. Using the water activated inflator in a rescue kit is highly beneficial for air rescue operations over a body of water by providing proper timing of the inflation shortly after impact.

Description

Water Activated Inflator for Inflatable Device and Method of Air Deployment
Field of the Invention
[001] This invention relates to air deployment of an inflatable device and in particular to a water activated inflator for use in an air deployable device and a method of air deployment using the same.
Background of the Invention
[002] There is a continuing need for development of methods of accurately dropping inflatable devices from an airplane, for example, life rafts to survivors in a body of water. The most advanced method, presently in use, is dropping an inflatable device in a deployment container using a parachute and timer as disclosed, for example, in US Patent 4,639,229. Use of the parachute substantially ensures correct orientation of the container on impact with the body of water and a predetermined range of speed at impact through aerodynamically braking the descent of the container. After impact the container is partially or completely submerged in the water, bobbing in the water and then floating on the surface until the device is inflated. Using a timer, the inflation is initiated after a preset time interval elapses, predetermined at time of manufacturing the inflatable device based on an expected altitude of an airplane flying above the water surface such that the inflation starts shortly after impact of the container on the body of water. However, the exact timing for initiating the inflation is a major problem of this method of air deployment using a timer. If the inflation is initiated too early, the device is inflated while still in the air resulting in the inflated device being blown away from a target zone in the presence of wind - even at a relatively small wind speed. On the other hand, if the inflation is initiated too late the container is floating on the surface for a considerable amount of time reducing the likelihood of the device being inflated in its proper orientation. In most rescue operations survivors have to be rescued from rough seas. Under such conditions it is likely for a container to be toppled by the rough sea while floating on the surface resulting in the device being inflated upside down rendering it problematic for rescuing survivors. One solution to this problem is the use of a reversible life raft as taught in US Patent 6,375,529. However, use of a reversible life raft requires physical action from survivors - people in distress - in order to set up a canopy for protecting them from the elements. In particular, for rescue operations in cold climates it is essential to provide life rafts with a canopy in order to protect survivors from hypothermia.
[003] Auto-inflation of life vests and other personal floatation devices using water activated inflators is well known in the art. Water activated inflators using a water soluble element for holding a membrane piercing mechanism in a cocked position are disclosed, for example, in US Patents 6,589,087; 5,852,986; 5,694,986; 5,370,567; and 5,333,656.
[004] In order to quickly inflate a large floatation device such as a life raft, a large gas flow is needed. Therefore, the inflator has to rapidly open a sealing mechanism of a gas cylinder containing a large volume of gas under high pressure. In order to instantly and reliably create a large opening, it is preferred to provide a significant stroke to a valve - defining the opening - of the sealing mechanism, rather than piercing a sealing membrane. However, for providing a significant stroke a relatively strong force acting along a relatively long distance has to be applied. Timed actuators, explosive actuators, and electronic actuators are typically used to provide the force and distance required in inflating a large inflatable device. As is evident to those of skill in the art, such devices cause serious storage and maintenance problems as well as safety problems during transport in an airplane and, therefore, are not considered useful for air rescue missions. Conversely, none of the passive water activated devices provide for the force and distance of operation required for quickly and reliably inflating a life raft.
[005] It would be advantageous to provide a passive water activated device for supporting inflation of a life raft.
Summary of the Invention
[006] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a water activated inflator capable of providing sufficient force acting along a sufficient distance for opening a sealing mechanism of a gas cylinder in order to quickly and reliably inflate a large inflatable device. [007] It is further an object of the invention to provide a water activated inflator for inflating a large inflatable device that is safe for use in air deployment.
[008] It is yet further an object of the invention to provide a method of air deployment of a large inflatable device using a water activated inflator.
[009] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a water activated inflator comprising: a housing having a connecting mechanism for mating with a neck of a gas cylinder; a gas cylinder opening device for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder, the gas cylinder opening device being disposed in the housing movable along a first axis having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position; a tension mechanism in mechanical communication with the housing and the gas cylinder opening device for providing tension acting along the first axis for moving the gas cylinder opening device from the cocked position to the fired position; a plunger for holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position, the plunger being disposed in the housing movable along a second axis having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position; a water soluble element for holding the plunger in the first position through mechanical communication along the second axis with the plunger and the housing; a conduit for providing water to the water soluble element; a first interacting element in mechanical communication with the gas cylinder opening device having a first interacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the interacting surface is disposed at a predetermined angle to the first axis; and, a second interacting element in mechanical communication with the plunger having a second interacting surface for interacting with the first interacting surface at the predetermined angle when the plunger is in the first position for holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position, wherein the predetermined angle is determined such that a component along the second axis of a component of the tension acting onto the second interacting surface is within a predetermined range for ensuring structural integrity of the water soluble element in the cocked position and for ensuring movement of the plunger when at least a portion of the water soluble element is dissolved. [0010] In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a water activated inflatable device comprising: an inflatable device body; a gas cylinder in fluid communication with the inflatable device body; and, a water activated inflator comprising: a housing having a connecting mechanism mated with a neck of the gas cylinder; a gas cylinder opening device for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder, the gas cylinder opening device being disposed in the housing movable along a first axis having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position; a tension mechanism in mechanical communication with the housing and the gas cylinder opening device for providing tension acting along the first axis for moving the gas cylinder opening device from the cocked position to the fired position; a plunger for holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position, the plunger being disposed in the housing movable along a second axis having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position; a water soluble element for holding the plunger in the first position through mechanical communication along the second axis with the plunger and the housing; a conduit for providing water to the water soluble element; a first interacting element in mechanical communication with the gas cylinder opening device having a first interacting surface, wherein at least a portion of the interacting surface is disposed at a predetermined angle to the first axis; and, a second interacting element in mechanical communication with the plunger having a second interacting surface for interacting with the first interacting surface at the predetermined angle when the plunger is in the first position for holding the gas cylinder opening mechanism in the cocked position, wherein the predetermined angle is determined such that a component along the second axis of a component of the tension acting onto the second interacting surface is within a predetermined range for ensuring structural integrity of the water soluble element in the cocked position and for ensuring movement of the plunger when at least a portion of the water soluble element is dissolved.
[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device comprising: dropping from an airplane over a body of water a deployment container comprising an inflatable device body, a gas cylinder in fluid communication with the inflatable device body and a water activated inflator mated to a neck of the gas cylinder; deploying a parachute attached to the deployment container for aerodynamically braking the descent of the container and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container at impact on the body of water; activating the water activated inflator through contact with water after impact of the deployment container on the body of water; using the water activated inflator opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder; and, inflating the inflatable device.
[0012] In accordance with the aspect of the present invention there is further provided a water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water comprising: an inflatable device body; a gas cylinder in fluid communication with the inflatable device body; a water activated inflator mated to a neck of the gas cylinder; a deployment container containing the inflatable device body, the gas cylinder and the water activated inflator, the deployment container comprising a conduit for enabling provision of water to the water activated inflator after impact of the deployment container on the body of water; and, a parachute attached to the deployment container for aerodynamically braking the descent of the deployment container and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container at impact on the body of water.
[0013] Using a water activated inflatable device according to the invention is highly beneficial for air rescue operations over a body of water. The water activated inflator provides proper timing of the inflation shortly after impact independent of the height of the air plane at the time instant the inflatable device is dropped substantially increasing the likelihood of proper placement of the inflatable device in a target zone as well as substantially increasing safety of the rescue personnel in the airplane. Brief Description of the Figures
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0015] Figures la to lc are simplified block diagrams schematically illustrating a water activated inflator according to the invention;
[0016] Figures 2a to 2c are simplified block diagrams schematically illustrating various embodiments of interacting elements of the water activated inflator according to the invention;
[0017] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a water activated rescue kit according to the invention; and,
[0018] Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a water activated rescue kit for air deployment according to the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0019] Referring to Figs, la and lb, a preferred embodiment of a water activated inflator 100 according to the invention is shown in a cocked position and a fired position, respectively. The inflator 100 comprises a housing 102 having a connecting mechanism 104 for mating with a neck of a gas cylinder, not shown, attached thereto. A gas cylinder opening device 106 for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder is disposed in a bore of the housing 102 along a first axis 108. For example, for inflating large floatation devices such as a life raft the gas cylinder opening device 106 is preferably designed using a steel cable, but not limited thereto, for being attached to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder opening device 106 is movable along the first axis 108 between the cocked position, shown in Fig. la, and the fired position, shown in Fig. lb. Movement of the gas cylinder opening device 106 is realized using a tension mechanism 110 such as a compression spring in mechanical communication with the housing at point 112 and with the gas cylinder opening mechanism 106 through, for example, a ball 114 attached to the steel cable and a washer 116. The tension mechanism 110 is designed to provide sufficient force F acting along a sufficiently long distance for instantly and reliably providing a significant stroke to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder. The tension mechanism is partly accommodated in a tube 118 affixed to the housing 102 or, alternatively, the housing 102 is designed large enough to accommodate the complete tension mechanism 110. The gas cylinder opening device 106 is held in the cocked position using a plunger 120. The plunger 120 is disposed in a bore of the housing 102 and movable along a second axis 122 between a first position, shown in Fig. la, and a second position, shown in Fig. lb. The second axis 122 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first axis 108. Optionally, it is possible to dispose the second axis at a different angle than 90° to the first axis as long as some conditions, which will be explained below, are fulfilled. The plunger 120 is held in the first position through a water soluble element 124 - made of, for example, a sugar - disposed between the plunger 120 and a plug 126. The plug 126 is, for example, screwed into a threaded bore of the housing 102 along the second axis 122. The plug 126 comprises conduits 128 for enabling provision of water to the water soluble element 124. Alternatively, the conduits are disposed in the housing 102. The gas cylinder opening device 106 is held in the cocked position through interaction of surface 130 of a first interacting element 132 in mechanical communication with the gas cylinder opening device 106 with surface 134 of a second interacting element 136 in mechanical communication with the plunger 120. As shown in Fig. lc, the interacting surface 130 is disposed at a predetermined angle a other than 0 or 90 degrees to the first axis 108. The angle a is determined such that component \ - acting along the second axis 122 - of force FN - component of the force F oriented normal to the surface 130 in contact point A and transmitted to the surface 134 - is sufficiently small to ensure structural integrity of the water soluble element in the cocked position but also sufficiently large to ensure movement of the plunger 120 when at least a portion of the water soluble element 124 is dissolved. In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figs, la- lc, the first interacting element 132 comprises a frustocone in interaction with a half sphere forming the second interacting element 136.
[0020] Figs. 2a to 2b illustrate some alternative embodiments comprising various combinations of spherical and conical surfaces. However, the embodiment shown in Figs, la to lc is preferred due to its simplicity to manufacture, provision of a predetermined angle at the contact point A and in comparison to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2c contact in one point instead of a line minimizing static friction at the instant of firing.
[0021] The connecting mechanism 104 comprises a tube affixed to the housing as shown in Figs, la and lb. In a preferred embodiment, the tube is made of a flexible material such as a steel wire mesh and used in combination with a steel cable for the gas cylinder opening mechanism 106, substantially facilitating installation of the inflator 100 in the usually confined space of a deployment container.
[0022] In operation the inflator 100 is connected via connecting mechanism 104 to the neck of a gas cylinder with the gas cylinder opening device being connected to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder. During storage and transport of an inflatable life raft the inflator 100 is in the cocked position with the tension mechanism 110 under compression and held in this position by the plunger 120, as shown in Fig. la. Additionally, the plunger 120 is locked in the first position through safety pin 140 such that a portion of the component Fi is still acting on the water soluble element 124 in order to avoid impact of the plunger 120 on the water soluble element 124 during removal of the safety pin 140. During deployment the safety pin 140 is removed. Preferably, a pull cord, not shown, attached to the safety pin 140 and a vessel or airplane carrying the inflatable device is used allowing removal of the safety pin 140 after dropping the inflatable device. After contact with water the water soluble element 124 starts to dissolve loosing its structural integrity and allowing force Fi to push the plunger 120, thus, enabling the tension mechanism 110 to instantly pull the gas cylinder opening mechanism 106 into the fired position shown in Fig. lb.
[0023] The water activated inflator 100 according to the invention is highly beneficial for air deployment of a life raft by providing a safe, reliable, compact, light weight and simple apparatus which is very cost effective to manufacture. It allows use of a very simple water soluble element as trigger in a device providing strong force acting along a large distance. Furthermore, the device is easily adaptable to a different stroke by only adjusting the angle a of the interacting surface allowing use of same parts of the inflator for different applications. [0024] Referring to Fig. 3, a water activated inflatable device 200 according to the invention is shown. A deployment container 202 contains a folded inflatable device body 204 in fluid communication with a gas cylinder 206 comprising a compressed gas such as, for example, CO2, N , or air. A water activated inflator 100 according to the invention is connected to the neck of the gas cylinder 206. The bottom of the deployment container 202 comprises a conduit 208 in order to provide water to the inflator 100 after impact of the container 202 on a body of water. Pull cord 210 is attached to the safety pin of the water activated inflator 100. In use, the pull cord is preferably attached to a vessel or airplane carrying the water activated inflatable device 200, allowing automatic removal of the safety pin when the kit is dropped overboard. In a preferred embodiment the gas cylinder 206 and the water activated inflator 100 are placed in the bottom portion of the deployment container 202 resulting in the center of gravity of the deployment container and its contents being located below a center of buoyancy of a portion or the complete container 202 immersed in water. This results in a more stable orientation of the container 202 when immersed or floating and, furthermore, the inflator is more quickly in contact with water after impact. These measures together with the quick inflation using the inflator 100 instantly enabling a large gas flow substantially reduces the risk of the inflatable device being inflated upside down in rough seas.
[0025] Referring to Fig. 4, a water activated inflatable device 300 for air deployment according to the invention is shown. Here, as in Fig. 3 above, a deployment container 302 contains a folded inflatable device body 304 in fluid communication with a gas cylinder 306 comprising a compressed gas. A water activated inflator 312 - preferably of the design shown in Figs, la to lc - is connected to the neck and the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder306. The bottom of the container 306 comprises a conduit 308 to enable provision of water to the inflator 312 after impact of the container 302 on a body of water. A top portion of the container 302 comprises a folded parachute 314 for aerodynamically braking the descent of the container 302 and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container 302 at impact on a body of water. Affixed to the folded parachute 314 is a pull cord 316 for being attached to the airplane. Also for being attached to the airplane is a pull cord 310 for removing a safety pin of the inflator 312 affixed thereto. Optionally, pull cords 310 and 316 are combined. Optionally, the water activated inflatable device 300 comprises a release mechanism operated by the inflator 312 for opening the deployment container 302. Alternatively, the deployment container 302 is pushed open by the impact on the water or by the inflating life raft. Further optionally, the deployment container 302 has cords affixed thereto for attachment to deployment containers of other water activated inflatable devices in order to connect a plurality of water activated inflatable devices for deployment.
[0026] In the following, a method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device over a body of water according to the invention will be described. Preferably, a water activated water activated inflatable device 300 as described above is employed for executing the method. The water activated water activated inflatable device 300 is dropped from an airplane over a body of water in a target zone where survivors are suspected. After dropping the water activated inflatable device 300 from the airplane pulling action on pull cord 316 pulls the folded parachute 314 from the deployment container 302 for deployment through interaction with the airflow around the falling deployment container 302. Pulling action on pull cord 310 removes the safety pin from the inflator 312. Alternatively, a same pull cord is used for deploying the parachute as well as for removing the safety pin. The water activated inflatable device 300 is deployed in various different ways, for example, by release from a loading bay of a transport plane or helicopter, or from a release mechanism mounted to the outside of an airplane at the fuselage or under a wing. Deployment of the parachute provides aerodynamically braking of the descent of the water activated inflatable device 300 and ensures a predetermined orientation of the deployment container 302 at impact on the body of water. After impact, the deployment container 302 is first immersed in the body of water, then bopping in the water and finally floating on the water surface. After impact water is provided through the conduit 308 to the inflator dissolving a water soluble element of the inflator. After a portion of the water soluble element is dissolved the tension mechanism of the inflator is capable of pushing the plunger and, thus, moving the gas cylinder opening device for providing a sufficient stroke to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder. Using the water activated inflator 100 a large opening of the gas cylinder is provided instantly after dissolving a portion of the water soluble element enabling quick inflation of the inflatable device body 304. Preferably, the inflator 312 and conduit 308 are placed such that the water soluble element is exposed to water within a short time interval after impact. The deployment container 302 is opened prior inflation of the inflatable device 304 through the force acting at impact or using an opening mechanism activated by the inflator. Alternatively, the deployment container 302 is opened through expansion of the inflating device 304.
[0027] Using a water activated inflatable device according to the invention is highly beneficial for air rescue operations over a body of water. The water activated inflator provides proper timing of the inflation shortly after impact independent of the height of the air plane at the time instant the water activated inflatable device is dropped substantially increasing the likelihood of proper placement of the inflatable device in a target zone as well as substantially increasing safety of the rescue personnel in the airplane. Since most rescue operations have to be executed under severe weather conditions, employment of prior art rescue kits using, for example, timing devices, either puts the lives of the rescue personnel in the airplane at risk by requiring the pilot to fly the airplane at dangerous heights - below or within a cloud cover for example - for dropping the rescue kit at a given height or substantially reducing the likelihood of proper deployment of the rescue kit by dropping it from a height considered safe by the pilot. Employment of the method of air deployment according to the invention overcomes this dilemma by enabling dropping of the rescue kit from an arbitrary safe height for the airplane and still providing proper deployment and inflation of the life raft.
[0028] Executing numerous drop tests, it has been found that the method for air deployment according to the invention ensures a nearly 100% success rate for proper deployment and inflation of the inflatable device. The likelihood of inflation of the life raft upside down has been substantially reduced despite the fact that after impact the rescue kit is immersed in water and then bopping prior inflation.
[0029] Numerous other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A water activated inflator comprising: a housing (102) having a connecting mechanism (104) for mating with a neck of a gas cylinder; a gas cylinder opening device (106) for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder, the gas cylinder opening device (106) being disposed in the housing (102) movable along a first axis (108) having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position; a tension mechanism (110) in mechanical communication with the housing (102) and the gas cylinder opening device (106) for providing tension acting along the first axis
(108) for moving the gas cylinder opening device (106) from the cocked position to the fired position; a plunger (120) for holding the gas cylinder opening device (106) in the cocked position, the plunger (120) being disposed in the housing (102) movable along a second axis (122) having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position; a water soluble element (124) for holding the plunger (120) in the first position through mechanical communication along the second axis (122) with the plunger (120) and the housing (102); a conduit (128) for providing water to the water soluble element (124); a first interacting element (132) in mechanical communication with the gas cylinder opening device (106) having a first interacting surface (130), wherein at least a portion of the first interacting surface (130) is disposed at a predetermined angle other than 90 or 180 degrees to the first axis; and, a second interacting element (136) in mechanical communication with the plunger
(120) having a second interacting surface (134) for interacting with the first interacting surface (130) at the predetermined angle when the plunger (120) is in the first position for holding the gas cylinder opening device (106) in the cocked position, wherein the predetermined angle is determined such that a component along the second axis (122) of a component of the tension acting onto the second interacting surface (134) is within a predetermined range for ensuring structural integrity of the water soluble element (124) in the cocked position and for ensuring movement of the plunger (120) when at least a portion of the water soluble element (124) is dissolved.
2. A water activated inflator as defined in claim 1 characterized in that the second axis (122) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first axis (108).
3. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the first interacting element (132) comprises a frusto cone.
4. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the second interacting element (136) comprises a half sphere.
5. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the tension mechanism (110) comprises a compression spring.
6. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the gas cylinder opening device (106) comprises a cable for being attached to the sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder.
7. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 5 and 6 comprising a tube (118) affixed to the housing (102) along the first axis (108) for accommodating the compression spring.
8. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 1 to 7 comprising a plug (126) for holding the plunger (120) and the water soluble element (124) in the first position.
9. A water activated inflator as defined in claim 8 characterized in that the plug (126) is screwed into a threaded bore of the housing (102) along the second axis (122).
10. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 8 and 9 characterized in that the plug (126) comprises the conduit (128).
11. A water activated inflator as defined in any of claims 1 to 10 comprising a safety pin (140) in mechanical communication with the plunger (120) and the housing (102) for locking the plunger (120) in the first position.
12. A water activated inflatable device comprising: an inflatable device body (204, 304); a gas cylinder (206, 306) in fluid communication with the inflatable device body (204,
304); and, a water activated inflator (100) comprising: a housing (102) having a connecting mechanism (104) mated with a neck of the gas cylinder (206, 306); a gas cylinder opening device (106) for opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder (206, 306), the gas cylinder opening device (106) being disposed in the housing (102) movable along a first axis (108) having a first orientation between a cocked position and a fired position; a tension mechanism (110) in mechanical communication with the housing (102) and the gas cylinder opening device (106) for providing tension acting along the first axis
(108) for moving the gas cylinder opening device (106) from the cocked position to the fired position; a plunger (120) for holding the gas cylinder opening device (106) in the cocked position, the plunger (120) being disposed in the housing (102) movable along a second axis (122) having a different second orientation between a first position and a second position; a water soluble element (124) for holding the plunger (120) in the first position through mechanical communication along the second axis (122) with the plunger (120) and the housing (102); a conduit (128) for providing water to the water soluble element (124); a first interacting element (132) in mechanical communication with the gas cylinder opening device (106) having a first interacting surface (130), wherein at least a portion of the first interacting surface (130) is disposed at a predetermined angle other than 0 or
90 degrees to the first axis (108); and, a second interacting element (136) in mechanical communication with the plunger (120) having a second interacting surface (134) for interacting with the first interacting surface (130) at the predetermined angle when the plunger (120) is in the first position for holding the gas cylinder opening device (106) in the cocked position, wherein the predetermined angle is determined such that a component along the second axis (122) of a component of the tension acting onto the second interacting surface (134) is within a predetermined range for ensuring structural integrity of the water soluble element (124) in the cocked position and for ensuring movement of the plunger (120) when at least a portion of the water soluble element (124) is dissolved.
13. A water activated inflatable device as defined in claim 12 comprising a safety pin (140) in mechanical communication with the plunger (120) and the housing (102) for locking the plunger (120) in the first position.
14. A water activated inflatable device as defined in claim 13 comprising a pull cord (210, 310) affixed to the safety pin (140) at a first end and for being affixed to a vessel carrying the inflatable device at a second end, the pull cord (210, 310) for removing the safety pin (140) after dropping of the inflatable device from the vessel.
15. A method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device comprising: dropping from an airplane over a body of water a deployment container (302) comprising an inflatable device body (304), a gas cylinder (306) in fluid communication with the inflatable device body (304) and a water activated inflator (312) mated to a neck of the gas cylinder (306); deploying a parachute (314) attached to the deployment container (302) for aerodynamically braking the descent of the deployment container (302) and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container (302) at impact on the body of water; activating the water activated inflator (312) through contact with water after impact of the deployment container (302) on the body of water; using the water activated inflator (312) opening a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder (306); and, inflating the inflatable device body (304).
16. A method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device as defined in claim 15 characterized in that the parachute (314) is deployed through pull cord action using a pull cord (316) affixed to the airplane after dropping the deployment container (302) from the airplane.
17. A method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device as defined in claim 16 comprising: removing after dropping the deployment container (302) from the airplane through pull cord action using a pull cord (310) affixed to the airplane a safety pin locking the inflator in a cocked position.
18. A method of air deployment of a water activated inflatable device as defined in any of claims 15 to 17 comprising: using the water activated inflator (312) releasing an opening mechanism of the deployment container (302).
19. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water comprising: an inflatable device body (304); a gas cylinder (306) in fluid communication with the inflatable device body (304); a water activated inflator (312) mated to a neck of the gas cylinder (306); a deployment container (302) containing the inflatable device body (304), the gas cylinder (306) and the water activated inflator (312), the deployment container (302) comprising a conduit (308) for enabling provision of water to the water activated inflator (312) after impact of the deployment container (302) on the body of water; and, a parachute (314) attached to the deployment container (302) for aerodynamically braking the descent of the deployment container (302) and for ensuring a predetermined orientation of the deployment container (302) at impact on the body of water.
20. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water as defined in claim 19 comprising a safety pin for locking the inflator (312) in a cocked position.
21. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water as defined in claim 20 comprising a pull cord (310) affixed to the safety pin at a first end and for being affixed at a second end to an airplane carrying the inflatable device, the pull cord (310) for removing the safety pin after dropping of the inflatable device from the airplane.
22. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water as defined in any of claims 19 to 21 comprising a pull cord (316) affixed to the parachute (314) at a first end and for being affixed at a second end to an airplane carrying the inflatable device, the pull cord for deploying the parachute (314) after dropping of the inflatable device from the airplane.
23. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water as defined in any of claims 19 to 22 characterized in that the inflator (312) comprises a cable attached to a sealing mechanism of the gas cylinder (306).
24. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water as defined in any of claims 19 to 23 comprising a release mechanism operated by the inflator (312) for opening the deployment container (302).
25. A water activated inflatable device for air deployment over a body of water as defined in any of claims 19 to 24 characterized in that components within the deployment container (302) are distributed such that after impact of the deployment container (302) on the body of water a center of gravity of the deployment container (302) and the components is located below a center of buoyancy of a portion of the deployment container immersed in the body of water.
PCT/CA2005/000638 2004-04-29 2005-04-27 Water activated inflator for inflatable device and method of air deployment Ceased WO2005105569A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002565100A CA2565100A1 (en) 2004-04-29 2005-04-27 Water activated inflator for inflatable device and method of air deployment
AU2005237664A AU2005237664B2 (en) 2004-04-29 2005-04-27 Water activated inflator for inflatable device and method of air deployment
EP05738641A EP1747143A4 (en) 2004-04-29 2005-04-27 INFLATABLE WATER SWITCH FOR INFLATABLE DEVICE, AND AIR RELEASE METHOD
AU2010241425A AU2010241425A1 (en) 2004-04-29 2010-10-28 Water activated inflatable device and method of air deployment

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US56617004P 2004-04-29 2004-04-29
US60/566,170 2004-04-29

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EP (1) EP1747143A4 (en)
AU (2) AU2005237664B2 (en)
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AU2015278253A1 (en) * 2014-06-19 2017-01-12 Survivor Global Pty Ltd Inflation system for a life raft
CN108750124A (en) * 2018-05-02 2018-11-06 顺丰科技有限公司 Water automatic inflation device and drone
JP7546576B2 (en) 2019-02-06 2024-09-06 ブースト アイディアズ、エルエルシー Underwater safety garments, related devices and methods
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AU2005237664A1 (en) 2005-11-10
US20050245149A1 (en) 2005-11-03
AU2010241425A9 (en) 2010-12-16
AU2010241425A1 (en) 2010-12-02
CA2565100A1 (en) 2005-11-10
AU2005237664B2 (en) 2010-12-02
EP1747143A4 (en) 2010-11-03
EP1747143A1 (en) 2007-01-31

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