Patent US3643498A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3643498A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for testing soils in situ
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-07-27
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Granted: 1972-02-22
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Expires: 1990-07-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for determining the stiffness of soil in situ includes a compact, sturdy assembly suitable for insertion into a borehole or for use as a penetrometer. An oscillatory portion of the assembly in coupled contact with the soil generates a signal when actuated by a magnet and coil means serving to oscillate that assembly portion in a controlled electrical circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Bobby O Hardin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:29
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B49/00; E21B49/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for testing the characteristics of soil in situ and comprising a testing assembly adapted for insertion into the soil and including an oscillatory tubular sleeve having means on its periphery for contacting the surrounding soil, a massive core member disposed within the sleeve, means mounting the sleeve on said core for oscillatory movement with respect thereto, a top cap and a bottom cap rigidly connected to said core member and spaced respectively therefrom sufficiently far to avoid binding of the sleeve member against said caps, means for imparting to said sleeve and to the soil to be tested a controlled oscillatory movement, and means for measuring the motion of said sleeve during its oscillatory movement thereby to determine the characteristics of the soil with which said sleeve is coupled.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for testing the characteristics of soil in situ and comprising a testing assembly adapted for insertion into the soil and including an oscillatory tubular sleeve having means on its periphery for contacting the surrounding soil, a massive core member disposed within the sleeve, means mounting the sleeve on said core for oscillatory movement with respect thereto, a top cap and a bottom cap rigidly connected to said core member and spaced respectively therefrom sufficiently far to avoid binding of the sleeve member against said caps, means for imparting to said sleeve and to the soil to be tested a controlled oscillatory movement, and means for measuring the motion of said sleeve during its oscillatory movement thereby to determine the characteristics of the soil with which said sleeve is coupled.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said assembly includes a vertically movable member detachably connected to said top cap and serving to force said assembly into coupling contact with said soil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said bottom cap comprises a truncated conical form and said movable member is adapted to force said assembly into a preformed borehole in said soil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said bottom cap comprises a conical member acting as a penetrometer and said movable member is adapted to force said assembly directly into said soil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said soil contacting means on said sleeve comprises a plurality of longitudinal vanes uniformly spaced about the sleeve periphery and extending radially outward therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including gaskets disposed beneath said top cap and above said bottom cap and serving to prevent entry of soil within said sleeve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for mounting said sleeve on said core comprises a sleeve-cradling member including a central portion attachable to said core and a peripheral portion attachable to said sleeve, said portions being joined by a plurality of flexible spring elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for imparting oscillatory movement to said sleeve includes a permanent magnet attached to said sleeve, and an electrical coil attached to said core and disposed in the fIeld of said magnet, and an electrical circuit for passing a sinusoidal voltage through said coil.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for measuring the motion of said sleeve comprises a seismic pickup unit attached to the interior of said sleeve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for imparting movement to said sleeve and said means for measuring motion of the sleeve includes electrical conductors housed in a cable passing through said top cap.
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) | 1975-02-21 | 1975-08-23 | 1976-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-21 | 1979-08-23 | 1980-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-21 | 1983-08-23 | 1984-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |