US3612649A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tool for reading underground meters
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
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Filing: 1970-03-18
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Granted: 1971-10-12
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Expires: 1990-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A portable tool for facilitating the reading from the surface of meters located underground, such as watermeters, utilizing an elongated tube containing water. This tube has a valve at one end and a squeeze bulb at the opposite end. When being used, the valve is at the lower end of the tube and the bulb at the upper end. A magnifying glass is mounted at the lower end of the tube, as is also a hook for opening the hinged covers of watermeters.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald M Pusey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:55
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/24; G02B23/2476
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
In a portable tool for facilitating reading of meters in subterranean locations, an elongated tube adapted to contain a liquid, a collapsible hollow squeeze bulb at one end of said tube and communicating with the interior thereof, a liquid discharge port at the other end of said tube, and a plunger-actuatable valve for controlling the flow of liquid from the interior of said tube through said discharge port.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
In a portable tool for facilitating reading of meters in subterranean locations, an elongated tube adapted to contain a liquid, a collapsible hollow squeeze bulb at one end of said tube and communicating with the interior thereof, a liquid discharge port at the other end of said tube, and a plunger-actuatable valve for controlling the flow of liquid from the interior of said tube through said discharge port.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Structure of claim 1, including also a liquid filling port communicating with the interior of said tube and located adjacent said bulb.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
Structure according to claim 1, wherein the plunger for said valve projects outwardly from said tube, and wherein the inward movement of said plunger with respect to said tube actuates said valve to place said discharge port in communication with the interior of said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
Structure of claim 1, including also a hook member secured to the exterior of said tube at said other end thereof, the point of said hook member extending outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Structure of clAim 1, including also a magnifying glass, and means mounting said glass on the exterior of said tube at said other end thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
Structure defined in claim 5, wherein said means provides a pivotal connection between said glass and said tube, enabling said glass to be pivoted with respect to said tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
Structure of claim 1, including also a magnifying glass, means mounting said glass on the exterior of said tube at said other end thereof, and a hook member secured to the exterior of said tube at said other end thereof and diametrically opposite said glass, the point of said hook member extending outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tube.
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) | 1974-10-11 | 1975-04-12 | 1975-10-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-11 | 1979-04-12 | 1979-10-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-11 | 1983-04-12 | 1983-10-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |