US3680160A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Float for seamarks, buoys, pontoons and the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-18
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Granted: 1972-08-01
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Expires: 1990-11-18
Abstract
Abstract A medium having a dew point close to the freezing point of the surrounding water is enclosed in a watertight collapsible hollow body anchored to the bottom. The collapsible body, which normally floats at the surface of the surrounding water, sinks when the freezing point of the water is approached due to the condensation of the medium. The hollow body remains submerged in a collapsed state until the water warms, vaporizing the medium and causing the body to float again.
Inventors
- 👤 Tuomo Jorma Heikki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 04:57
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B22/00; B63B22/04; B63B22/06; B63B2209/00; B63B2209/06; B63B2211/00; B63B2211/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A float for seamarks, buoys and pontoons, comprising: a watertight collapsible hollow body containing a medium having a dew point close to the freezing point of the surrounding water so that when water temperature decreases close to the freezing point thereof the body collapses and the float submerges, returning to the surface after the water temperature has risen above its freezing point; and means for Connecting the float to bottom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A float for seamarks, buoys and pontoons, comprising: a watertight collapsible hollow body containing a medium having a dew point close to the freezing point of the surrounding water so that when water temperature decreases close to the freezing point thereof the body collapses and the float submerges, returning to the surface after the water temperature has risen above its freezing point; and means for Connecting the float to bottom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The float as recited in claim 1, wherein the medium comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of butane and 1,2-dichlorotetrafluorethane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The float as recited in claim 1, wherein the collapsible body comprises: a rigid apertured frame structure; and a bag of flexible material inside the frame structure.
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) | 1975-08-01 | 1976-01-31 | 1976-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-01 | 1980-01-31 | 1980-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-01 | 1984-01-31 | 1984-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |