Free-fall bottom sampler
Abstract
Abstract A BOTTOM SAMPLER TO OBTAIN A SAMPLE OF THE BOTTOM OF A BODY OF WATER. A PAIR OF CLAM SHELL JAWS ARE PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE BASE OF AN UPRIGHT FRAME OF THE SAMPLER. HOLLOW BUOYANT SPHERES ARE RETAINED WITHIN THE UPRIGHT PORTION OF THE FRAME. THE JAWS ARE LATCHED IN AN OPEN POSITION AGAINST THE BIAS OF RESILIENT ELEMENTS WHICH CLOSE THE JAWS WHEN THE LATCH IS RELEASED IN RESPONSE TO IMPACT WITH THE BOTTOM. TWO WEIGHTS, ONE ON THE BACK OF EACH JAW STABILIZE THE SAMPLER DURING DESCENT AND FALL OFF WHEN THE JAWS CLOSE. A CAMERA LOCATED WITHIN ONE OF THE HOLLOW SPHERES PHOTOGRAPHS THE BOTTOM OF THE BODY OF WATER FROM WHICH THE SAMPLE IS TAKEN. A UNIQUE SIGNAL-FLARE AND SMOKE PRODUCING DEVICE AUTOMATICALLY ACTUATES WHEN THE SAMPLER RETURNS TO THE SURFACE. OTHER DAY OR NIGHT SIGNAL DEVICES SUCH AS A RADIO OR FLASHER CAN ALSO BE USED AND PROVISION IS MADE TO ATTACH SUCH DEVICES TO THE SAMPLER.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas N Walthier
- 👤 Andre Marcel Rosfelder
- 👤 Clifford E Schatz
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-22 | 1974-09-21 | 1975-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-22 | 1978-09-21 | 1979-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-22 | 1982-09-21 | 1983-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |