US 11,904,986 B2
Mechanical triggers and triggering methods for self-destructing frangible structures and sealed vessels
Christopher L. Chua, San Jose, CA (US); Norine E. Chang, Menlo Park, CA (US); Julie Ann Bert, Palo Alto, CA (US); Scott J. Limb, Palo Alto, CA (US); Steven Neltner, San Carlos, CA (US); and Eric Cocker, Redwood City, CA (US)
Assigned to XEROX CORPORATION, Norwalk, CT (US)
Filed by Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated, Palo Alto, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 21, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/128,714.
Prior Publication US 2022/0194524 A1, Jun. 23, 2022
Int. Cl. B63B 22/26 (2006.01); B63B 59/04 (2006.01); F16K 17/40 (2006.01); B26F 3/06 (2006.01)
CPC B63B 22/26 (2013.01) [B26F 3/06 (2013.01); B63B 59/04 (2013.01); F16K 13/04 (2013.01)] 28 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region;
a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region, the mechanical actuator comprising:
a spring arrangement and an impact member coupled to the spring arrangement; and
a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement; and
a trigger source operably coupled to an electrical power source;
wherein the trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.