The invention relates to an activation device for an electric battery unit, in particular, for a battery part of a torpedo. The invention also relates to a battery unit with activation devices of this type. An activation device incorporates an operating supply connection, to which an operating supply reservoir can be connected. A movably arranged cutting element can be pneumatically actuated via a pneumatic connection of the activation device by means of an actuation element, wherein a sealing element arranged in the path of travel of the cutting element controls the operating supply connection. In order to guarantee a safe storage, ready for operation, and a safe activation of a battery unit, it is provided in accordance with the invention that the activation device incorporates a pneumatic outlet, which can be fluidically connected to the pneumatic connection, depending on the position of the actuation element.

A membrane puncturing mechanism comprises a first element and a second element arranged with opposing surfaces. At least one opposing surface comprises a sloping region inclined relative to the other opposing surface. The first element is moveable towards and away from the second element. A pin for puncturing a membrane is coupled to the first element such that movement of one of the pin and first element causes movement of both. A spring is operable to bias the first element towards the second element. An actuator is removably positioned between the opposing surfaces, the actuator being withdrawable from between and moveable along the opposing surfaces such that, as the actuator is withdrawn, the actuator progressively moves the first and second elements apart against the bias of the spring so as to load the spring and such that the actuator being fully withdrawn from between the opposing surfaces.

A valve assembly is provided, the valve assembly comprising a body that defines a fluid flow path between an inlet and an outlet with a frangible member between the inlet and the outlet across the fluid flow path so as to block fluid flow The valve assembly also includes a member for rupturing the frangible member, a spring biasing the rupturing member into contact with the frangible member and a member for retaining the rupturing member away from the frangible member. A magnet is spaced apart from the retaining member, and a non-magnetic sleeve is disposed between the magnet and the retaining member. The non-magnetic sleeve blocks a magnetic field provided by the magnet. Also included is a trigger for removing the non-magnetic sleeve, wherein, when the non-magnetic sleeve is removed, in use, the magnetic field attracts the retaining member to release the rupturing member to cause rupture of the frangible member.

A rupture disk assembly comprises: a single-part or multi-part body with an opening that forms an outlet for a conduit or a container; a rupture disk that closes the opening and bursts subject to the action of a rupture pressure in order to unblock the opening; an actuator to reduce the rupture pressure, wherein the actuator includes a plunger to reduce the rupture pressure on the rupture disk, the plunger being configured to strike against the rupture disk; and a housing to receive the actuator, the housing including a housing opening for the plunger.

A membrane puncturing mechanism comprises a first element and a second element arranged with opposing surfaces. At least one opposing surface comprises a sloping region inclined relative to the other opposing surface. The first element is moveable towards and away from the second element. A pin for puncturing a membrane is coupled to the first element such that movement of one of the pin and first element causes movement of both. A spring is operable to bias the first element towards the second element. An actuator is removably positioned between the opposing surfaces, the actuator being withdrawable from between and moveable along the opposing surfaces such that, as the actuator is withdrawn, the actuator progressively moves the first and second elements apart against the bias of the spring so as to load the spring and such that the actuator being fully withdrawn from between the opposing surfaces.

A valve assembly is provided, the valve assembly comprising a body that defines a fluid flow path between an inlet and an outlet with a frangible member between the inlet and the outlet across the fluid flow path so as to block fluid flow The valve assembly also includes means for rupturing the frangible member, means for biasing the rupturing means into contact with the frangible member and means for retaining the rupturing means away from the frangible member. A magnet is spaced apart from the retaining means a non-magnetic sleeve is disposed between the magnet and the retaining means. The non-magnetic sleeve block a magnetic field provided by the magnet. Also included are means for removing the non-magnetic sleeve, wherein, when the non-magnetic sleeve is removed, in use, the magnetic field attracts the retaining means to release the rupturing means to cause rupture of the frangible member.

A rupture disk assembly comprises: a single-part or multi-part body with an opening that forms an outlet for a conduit or a container; a rupture disk that closes the opening and bursts subject to the action of a rupture pressure in order to unblock the opening; an actuator to reduce the rupture pressure, wherein the actuator includes a plunger to reduce the rupture pressure on the rupture disk, the plunger being configured to strike against the rupture disk; and a housing to receive the actuator, the housing including a housing opening for the plunger.