US3696624A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bucket wheel ice cutter
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
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Filing: 1970-10-02
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Granted: 1972-10-10
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Expires: 1990-10-02
Abstract
Abstract Bucket wheels are mounted on offshore platforms or ship prows for cutting ice sheets found in frigid waters. The bucket wheels rotate in a generally horizontal plane and are paired in opposite directions so that a torque is not placed on the structure or ship. Multiple sets of bucket wheels can be used to cut a thick section of ice and/or the bucket wheels can be inclined or arranged to oscillate up and down to cut a larger vertical section.
Inventors
- 👤 John D Bennett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:19
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B17/00; E02B17/0017; E02B17/0021; B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/08; B63B35/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for continuously cutting an ice mass located adjacent a structure in a body of water comprising: bucket wheel means including at least one pair of vertically spaced bucket wheels rotatably attached to the structure, where such attachment allows the bucket wheels to rotate in a horizontal plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for continuously cutting an ice mass located adjacent a structure in a body of water comprising: bucket wheel means including at least one pair of vertically spaced bucket wheels rotatably attached to the structure, where such attachment allows the bucket wheels to rotate in a horizontal plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bucket wheel means is attached to the prow oF a vessel and is of sufficient size to clear a path for the remainder of the vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for raising and lowering the bucket wheel means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bucket wheel means includes a plurality of bucket wheels vertically spaced, arranged for generally horizontal rotation, and arranged to rotate relative to each other in such a manner that no torque is applied to the structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for rotating each of the pair of bucket wheels in opposite directions.
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) | 1975-10-10 | 1976-04-10 | 1976-10-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-10 | 1980-04-10 | 1980-10-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-10 | 1984-04-10 | 1984-10-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |