US3609639A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater electrical connector apparatus
Assignee: United States Elevator Corp
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Filing: 1969-06-30
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1989-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An underwater electrical connector apparatus comprising a sealed housing in which electrical lines are electrically connected by an electrical connector, and which housing has a cylindrical shape with cylindrical end seals, through which electrical lines pass, which seals are drawn together by end collars with an insulating spacer sleeve that fits around the electrical connector and correctly spaces the seal members to achieve correct connection of the electrical lines, and which structure allows the housing to be entirely removed slidably from the structure while maintaining electrical connection of the electrical connector.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry W Lind
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/52; H01R13/523
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus comprising, an electrical connector for connecting abutting electrical lines, end seals secured to each of said lines leading to said electrical connector, a housing for enclosing said electrical connector and said end seals in a sealed environment underwater, collar means at each end of said housing being movable longitudinally for holding said end seals in said housing and holding said electrical lines electrically connected by said electrical connector, rigid spacer sleeve means for fitting inside of said housing and abutting against said end seals for holding said end seals at a given spacing within said housing, said collar means each comprise collars having a radially inward projecting shoulder that abuts against one side of said seals, said collars engage said housing to force said cylindrically shaped seals against said spacer sleeve means, and said cylindrical housing has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of said seals allowing said housing to be slidably moved throughout its length over said seals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus comprising, an electrical connector for connecting abutting electrical lines, end seals secured to each of said lines leading to said electrical connector, a housing for enclosing said electrical connector and said end seals in a sealed environment underwater, collar means at each end of said housing being movable longitudinally for holding said end seals in said housing and holding said electrical lines electrically connected by said electrical connector, rigid spacer sleeve means for fitting inside of said housing and abutting against said end seals for holding said end seals at a given spacing within said housing, said collar means each comprise collars having a radially inward projecting shoulder that abuts against one side of said seals, said collars engage said housing to force said cylindrically shaped seals against said spacer sleeve means, and said cylindrical housing has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of said seals allowing said housing to be slidably moved throughout its length over said seals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
134 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which, the center portion of said housing has a slightly larger inside diameter than the inside diameter of said housing adjacent its ends, for facilitating insertion of said spacer members into said housing. 3 An underwater electrical connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which, said spacer sleeve means has a length sufficient to cause end portions of said seals to project beyond the ends of said housing, said seals having openings therethrough for passing lines to said electrical connectors, said seals being rigidly secured to said lines, and said collar means abutting the ends of said seals forcing said seals against said spacer sleeve means and forcing said connector into a connected position in the sealed environment of the sealed housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which, each of said seals have an opening therethrough for passing electrical lines that are connected by said electrical connector, and the side of said seals adjacent said spacer sleeve means have packing gland means for sealing the space between said electrical lines and said opening in said seal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which, each of said seals have a threaded end portion that threadably engages a connector portion secured to each of said lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which, each of said cylindrical shaped seals have at least one groove around its outer circumference, and O-ring means for fitting into said groove and providing a sealed connection between the outer surface of said seals and the inner surface of said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
An underwater electrical connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which, said spacer sleeve means comprises a pair of half cylindrical spacer members of insulating material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |