US3686656A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sunken vessel locator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-06-24
•
Granted: 1972-08-22
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Expires: 1990-06-24
Abstract
Abstract A sound-generating instrument for use on a boat or other watercraft arranged to operate only if the boat is submerged, and which generates a sound under water to aid in locating and recovering the same. When the device is carried under water with the sinking craft, a pressure-responsive switch connects a soundgenerating device inside the instrument with a dry battery also inside the instrument. In lieu of a pressure-responsive switch, a switch which is held open until submerged in water may be used.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles D Richards
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 11:30
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C7/00; B63C7/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels comprising a self-contained water-tight container having: a. a battery within the container, b. an electrically operated signal generating apparatus within the container, c. a circuit for connecting the signal with the battery including a normally open switch between the battery and the signal generating means arranged to be closed only upon total immersion of the container in water, and d. means for fixedly securing and retaining the container attached to a vessel in such manner that when and if the vessel sinks beyond a predetermined depth the container will be totally immersed to thereby signal from beneath the surface of the water the location of the vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels comprising a self-contained water-tight container having: a. a battery within the container, b. an electrically operated signal generating apparatus within the container, c. a circuit for connecting the signal with the battery including a normally open switch between the battery and the signal generating means arranged to be closed only upon total immersion of the container in water, and d. means for fixedly securing and retaining the container attached to a vessel in such manner that when and if the vessel sinks beyond a predetermined depth the container will be totally immersed to thereby signal from beneath the surface of the water the location of the vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 1 in which said circuit also includes normally closed switch means inside the container for intermittently opening and closing said circuit after said normally open switch has been closed to interrupt the operation of the signal generating means and then restore its operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 1 wherein said normally open switch comprises means sensitive to increasing water pressure outside the container for effecting the closing of said switch only upon immersion of the container to a depth where the water pressure is adequate to effect the closing of the switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 3 wherein said normally open switch comprises a flexible diaphram, one surface of which is exposed to pressure outside the container and the other surface is exposed to pressure inside the container with the diaphram forming a barrier against the entrance of water into the container, and contact means operated by flexing of the diaphram by the pressure of water outside the container to circuit-closing position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 4 wherein said contact means is adjustable to predetermine the depth of water at which said switch is closed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 1 in which said normally open switch is in a water-pervious compartment fixed on the outside of the water-tight container and is biased to close and there is a water-soluble material arranged to hold the switch open against the biasing force until said material has dissolved.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 1 in which the signal-generating means is an audible sound-generating means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of sunken vessels as defined in claim 7 wherein the sound generator is a vibrator arranged to vibrate against the container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus for aiding in the recovery of a sunken vessel as defined in claim 1 in which said circuit also includes a normally closed thermostatic switch having a thermostatic element responsive to current flow to the signal generating apparatus to effect opening and closing thereof by the heating and cooling of said thermostatic element and thereby effect the alternate operation and interruption of the signal-generating means.
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) | 1975-08-22 | 1976-02-21 | 1976-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-22 | 1980-02-21 | 1980-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-22 | 1984-02-21 | 1984-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |