US3618840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endless track devices for laying cables and the like
Assignee: Direction Générale de l'Armement
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Filing: 1969-12-30
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Granted: 1971-11-09
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Expires: 1989-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A pair of opposed endless track devices have adjacent branches whose links cooperatively engage a cable therebetween and advance the cable with the links. The links travel in rails and form chambers therewith in which pressure fluid is supplied to force the links into engagement with the cable while advancing the links and cable therewith.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard Francois Mauri Courret
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 00:38
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/03; B63B35/04; B66; B66D; B66D3/00; B66D3/003; F; F15; F15B; F15B15/00; F15B15/02; F16; F16H; F16H31/00; F16H31/007; F16H43/00; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/12; F16L1/20; F16L1/23
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
Apparatus for advancing a cable comprising at least one moveable endless track device for engaging a cable to advance the same lengthwise thereof, said track device comprising a plurality of links and a rail supporting said links and defining chambers therewith, and means for supplying a pressure fluid to said chambers to apply the links against the cable, said chambers being so formed that the pressure of the fluid therein produces a longitudinal force on the links to advance the links and the cable therewith.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus for advancing a cable comprising at least one moveable endless track device for engaging a cable to advance the same lengthwise thereof, said track device comprising a plurality of links and a rail supporting said links and defining chambers therewith, and means for supplying a pressure fluid to said chambers to apply the links against the cable, said chambers being so formed that the pressure of the fluid therein produces a longitudinal force on the links to advance the links and the cable therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second endless track device opposed to the first to clamp the cable between the links thereof to advance the cable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein each link has at least one hollow which forms with the associated rail a respective of said chambers, said means for supplying pressure fluid comprising an inlet and an outlet, and means dividing each said chamber into two compartments which vary in volume during advance of the track, one compartment being in communication with said inlet and the other in communication with said outlet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said hollow is approximately sinosoidal in shape, said means dividing each chamber into two compartments comprising a transversely displaceable member engaging each Link along said hollow.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said transversely displaceable member is a roller having a diameter greater than the maximum depth of the hollow, said means for supplying pressure fluid comprising a chest with spaced walls and provided with said inlet and outlet, said roller being guidably movable between said walls.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said rail has a U-shape cross section, each said link having outer surfaces in frictional engagement with said rail.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein each link has two of said hollows and a central rib between said hollows, said rib frictionally engaging said rail upon cessation of supply of pressure fluid, each said hollow having one said transversely displaceable member therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for supplying pressure fluid comprises a plurality of spaced chests along said rail, each chest having one said inlet and one said outlet, said chests being spaced such that a plurality of links equal in number to the number of chests are disposed between the endmost chests.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each link comprises a rigid body supported by said rail, a flange conforming to the shape of the cable for engaging the same, and a resilient pad supporting the flange on the body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said link comprises a frame and a molded covering on said frame of synthetic plastic material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said link has a forward end and a rearward end relative to the direction of travel of the track, and means at the forward end of each link forming a watertight seal with said rail for the associated chamber.
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) | 1974-11-08 | 1975-05-10 | 1975-11-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-08 | 1979-05-10 | 1979-11-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-08 | 1983-05-10 | 1983-11-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |