US3699799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable direction force coupler
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1970-08-28
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Granted: 1972-10-24
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Expires: 1990-08-28
Abstract
Abstract A variable direction force coupler for transmitting a reciprocating force along a selectable curved path consisting of a flexible tube filled with rigid balls and including force transmission members at each end adapted to connect the coupler between an applied force and a body to receive the force.
Inventors
- 👤 William H Hespenhide
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:34
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H49/00; B; B21; B21J; B21J15/00; B21J15/10; B21J15/16; B21J15/38; B21J15/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A variable direction force coupler comprising: an elongated flexible tube; a plurality of balls, substantially corresponding in diameter to the inner diameter of said flexible tube and positioned within said tube in a contacting relation; first force transmission means fitting into one end of said tube and having a spherically surfaced portion in engagement with a said ball for applying a force to said balls; and second force transmission means fitting into the other end of said tube and having a spherically surfaced portion in engagement with a said ball for transmitting a force from said balls to a work surface said second force transmission means comprising an anvil having a groove along its outer surface adjacent to said other end of said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A variable direction force coupler comprising: an elongated flexible tube; a plurality of balls, substantially corresponding in diameter to the inner diameter of said flexible tube and positioned within said tube in a contacting relation; first force transmission means fitting into one end of said tube and having a spherically surfaced portion in engagement with a said ball for applying a force to said balls; and second force transmission means fitting into the other end of said tube and having a spherically surfaced portion in engagement with a said ball for transmitting a force from said balls to a work surface said second force transmission means comprising an anvil having a groove along its outer surface adjacent to said other end of said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A variable direction force coupler as set forth in claim 1 comprising a retaining spring assembly attached to said tube, said retaining spring assembly having an arm, one end of said arm extending into a longitudinal groove for limiting the outward travel of said anvil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A variable direction foRce coupler as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first force transmission means comprises an elongated shaft and includes means for coupling said shaft to force generating means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A variable direction force coupler as set forth in claim 3 further comprising spring means interconnecting said one end of said tube to said force generating means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-04-24 | 1976-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-24 | 1980-04-24 | 1980-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-04-24 | 1984-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |