GB571694A - Improvements in or relating to gas generators - Google Patents

Abstract

A gas generator of the type wherein a liquid reacts with a solid comprises a container adapted to hold a material capable with reacting with a liquid to generate a gas, which has a hole in one end, the hole serving both for the entry of the liquid and the outlet of the gas. The container is surrounded by a shell slightly larger than the container to permit the latter to telescope therein, the container being fitted into the shell with the hole at the top, leaving a space where the gas collects and is cooled. The hole in the container is of such a size as to permit the entry of sufficient liquid with respect to the material to produce a reaction sufficiently <PICT:0571694/IV/1> <PICT:0571694/IV/2> violent to expel with the gas and associated liquid the residue formed by the reaction. In the non-operative position, Fig. 2, the container is wholly within the shell and sealed therein, while in the operative position the container is extended to project beyond the shell and be immersed in the liquid as in Fig. 3. The container 42 containing calcium hydride has a telescopic relation to the shell 26. In the non-operative position it is sealed with end plates 28 and 30. These are held in position by a tongue 62. By means of a key 64 turned by hand, a strip of metal is torn off and the end plates can be removed. The container is then extended as shown in Fig. 3, being prevented from coming right out by the catch 56 contacting the baffle 40 and held in position by spring member 58. The tube 16 is screwed into opening 34 to carry away the gas generated, the container is extended from the shell and the whole device is plunged into water. The space above the container falls with water which wets the tissue 50 over the hole 48, then soaks through, and contacts the calcium hydride. The surge of gas bursts the tissue 50 and fills the space 25. The operator moves the container up and down within the limits 27 and 29, removing the hot water and the calcium hydroxide through holes in the baffle 40. The gas may be used to inflate a balloon fixed on the end of the pipe 16 for the purpose of holding aloft a wireless aerial for sending out destress signals.