US3593415A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods of underwater mechanical assembly of electrical connectors, and the like
Assignee: Texas Gas Transmission Corp
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Filing: 1969-08-28
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Granted: 1971-07-20
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Expires: 1989-08-28
Abstract
Abstract A method of assembling electrical cables underwater without subjecting the electrical circuits to salt water is disclosed. A flexible membrane isolates a work area and the mechanical assembly and disassembly of parts takes place therein by grasping the membrane from the water side. The membrane may be a hollow toroid and the inner surface extending about the work area can be ruptured to produce more working area and less area that is purged of water before rupture. The outer membrane can be ruptured after the operation is terminated by mating the connectors in a waterproof seal.
Inventors
- 👤 Delbert R Wofford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:22
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/52; H01R13/523; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49194; Y10T29/49195; Y10T29/49197
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
The method of manually manipulating mechanical assemblies without exposure to surrounding atmosphere comprising the steps of enveloping at least one of aid assemblies with a flexible membrane in said atmosphere, b. purging the work area enveloped by said membrane of residual atmosphere, and c. distorting the membrane to reach in and manipulate one of said assemblies by grasping the membrane from the atmosphere side, wherein the membrane is hollow and including the step of inflating said flexible membrane in said atmosphere to achieve the shape of a toroid surrounding said work area.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
The method of manually manipulating mechanical assemblies without exposure to surrounding atmosphere comprising the steps of enveloping at least one of aid assemblies with a flexible membrane in said atmosphere, b. purging the work area enveloped by said membrane of residual atmosphere, and c. distorting the membrane to reach in and manipulate one of said assemblies by grasping the membrane from the atmosphere side, wherein the membrane is hollow and including the step of inflating said flexible membrane in said atmosphere to achieve the shape of a toroid surrounding said work area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method defined in claim 1 including the step rupturing an inner wall of the inflated hollow membRane surrounding said work area.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 1 including the step of rupturing an inner portion of the membrane to convert the toroid into a sphere.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
93 words
The method of manually connecting electrical connectors of two electrical cables under salt water without exposure of the electrical connections on either side to the water comprising the steps of a. protecting the electrical connectors on each cable with a waterproof member, b. enveloping the two connectors underwater with a flexible waterproof membrane, c. purging the work area enveloped by said membrane of water, and d. distorting the membrane manually to reach into the purged work area removing the waterproof members and connecting the connectors of the two cables with a waterproof connection.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
93 words
The method of manually connecting electrical connectors of two electrical cables under salt water without exposure of the electrical connections on either side to the water comprising the steps of a. protecting the electrical connectors on each cable with a waterproof member, b. enveloping the two connectors underwater with a flexible waterproof membrane, c. purging the work area enveloped by said membrane of water, and d. distorting the membrane manually to reach into the purged work area removing the waterproof members and connecting the connectors of the two cables with a waterproof connection.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method in claim 4, including the step of pressurizing at least one of said connectors covered with the waterproof member to a pressure substantially that of the water at the depth at which the connection is to be made.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-19 | 1975-01-18 | 1975-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-19 | 1979-01-18 | 1979-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-19 | 1983-01-18 | 1983-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |