US3602959A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatically releasable connectors
Assignee: AMF Inc
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Filing: 1970-03-26
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1990-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A connector device having a sealed pressure housing, a clevis and hook-type releasable coupling connected to one end of the housing, spring-biased rotatable control means in the housing and extending outwardly thereof to lock the hook against uncoupling when the control means is armed, electromagnetic locking means which when energized releases the control means for rotation by its bias to effect decoupling.
Inventors
- 👤 George R Perez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:12
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B22/00; B63B22/04; B63B22/06; B63B2211/00; B63B2211/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/45; Y10T24/45225; Y10T24/45466
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
In a releasable connector, the combination comprising releasable coupling means including a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member pivotally connected to said fixed member for movement between a coupling and an uncoupling position; control means rotatable between an armed position for engaging and holding said movable member in its coupling position, and a disarmed position for releasing said movable member for pivotal movement to its uncoupling position; biasing means urging said control means to its disarmed position; and locking means for engaging and retaining said control means in its armed position and, in response to an electrical signal, releasing said control means for rotation by said biasing means to its disarmed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a releasable connector, the combination comprising releasable coupling means including a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member pivotally connected to said fixed member for movement between a coupling and an uncoupling position; control means rotatable between an armed position for engaging and holding said movable member in its coupling position, and a disarmed position for releasing said movable member for pivotal movement to its uncoupling position; biasing means urging said control means to its disarmed position; and locking means for engaging and retaining said control means in its armed position and, in response to an electrical signal, releasing said control means for rotation by said biasing means to its disarmed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a sealed pressure housing, and said fixed member being connected to and external of one end of said housing; said biasing and locking means being disposed within said housing; and said control means being disposed within said housing and extending axially through said one end of said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 2, and said control means being adapted for engagement external of said housing and manual rotation to its armed position; and said locking means being automatically reset to retain said control means when said control means is rotated to its armed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
91 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 3, and said control means including a rotatable shaft which extend axially through said one end of said housing thereby providing an exposed shaft end; said exposed shaft end being provided with a slot open at one end for receiving at least part of said movable member; and said slot being aligned with the path of movement of said movable member when said control means is in its disarmed position, and misaligned when said control means is in its armed position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and said movable member being formed at one end to be received and held in the slot of said exposed shaft end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and said control means further including a cam member fixedly mounted on said shaft for rotation in unison; said cam member being provided with indent means; and said locking means being provided with detent means for engaging said indent means thereby retaining said control means in its armed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and said control means further including a cam member fixedly mounted on and rotatable with said shaft; said cam member being provided with a seat; said locking means including a cam follower and spring means; said cam follower having a pivotally supported end and a free end; and said spring means biasing said cam follower to pivot thereby holding said free end against said cam member and onto said seat thereby retaining said control means in its armed position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 7, and said locking means further including a solenoid with a plunger biased to block said cam follower from pivoting when its free end is disposed on the seat of said cam member; and said plunGer, when said solenoid is energized, being moved against its bias and out of the path of movement of said cam follower.
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) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |