Patent US3676840A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3676840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater seismic acoustic energy signal source
Assignee: FIRST CITY NATIONAL BANK OF HOUSTON A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION
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Filing: 1970-09-09
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1990-09-09
Abstract
Abstract An acoustic signal means is provided with two signal radiating hollow shell members which are connected by a hydraulic cylinder for outward relative movement with an inflatable toroidal connector member connecting circular edges of the shell members to define a main interior chamber with the shell members and pressure regulating means for maintaining pressure on the interior of the toroidal member at a level slightly higher than the maximum pressure differential between the main interior chamber and the external environment and also having pressure regulating means for maintaining an average pressure in the internal chamber substantially equal to the external pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Marvin G Bays
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/143; G01V1/145
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
An acoustic energy source means for submerged use in a body of water, said energy source means comprising first and second relatively movable body members internally defining a main interior chamber, power actuable means connecting said relatively movable body members actuable to cause rapid relative movement of said first and second relatively movable body members away from each other to create an acoustical signal in the body of water in which the energy source means is submerged, flexible inflatable connecting means having a gas filled internal closed chamber connected between said first and second relatively movable body members and means for adjustably varying the pressure of gas in said closed internal chamber to enable the obtainment of optimum signal efficiency.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
An acoustic energy source means for submerged use in a body of water, said energy source means comprising first and second relatively movable body members internally defining a main interior chamber, power actuable means connecting said relatively movable body members actuable to cause rapid relative movement of said first and second relatively movable body members away from each other to create an acoustical signal in the body of water in which the energy source means is submerged, flexible inflatable connecting means having a gas filled internal closed chamber connected between said first and second relatively movable body members and means for adjustably varying the pressure of gas in said closed internal chamber to enable the obtainment of optimum signal efficiency.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said flexible inflatable connection means is of toroidal configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein said first and second relatively movable body members are domed, hollow shell members bulging outwardly with respect to each other from opposite sides of said inflatable connecting means to define said main interior chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein said power actuable means comprises a hydraulic cylinder assembly extending between said first and second relatively movable body members in said main interior chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 4 additionally including means for varying the pressure of gas within said main interior chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein said flexible inflatable connecting means includes upper and lower cylindrical seal surfaces extending from opposite sides of said inflatable connecting means and ring clamp means engaging the outer surface of said seal means for clamping said seal means against said movable body members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein said power actuable means comprises a hydraulic cylinder assembly extending between said first and second relatively movable body members in said main interior chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 7 additionally including means for varying the pressure of gas within said main interior chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said first and second relatively movable body members are domed, hollow shell members bulging outwaRdly with respect to each other from opposite sides of said inflatable connecting means to define said main interior chamber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 9 wherein said power actuable means comprises a hydraulic cylinder assembly extending between said first and second relatively movable body members in said main interior chamber.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 9 additionally including means for varying the pressure of gas within said main interior chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 1 additionally including means for varying the pressure of gas within said main interior chamber.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 12 wherein said flexible inflatable connection means is of toroidal configuration.
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) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |