US3704679A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater connecting device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-05
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Granted: 1972-12-05
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Expires: 1990-11-05
Abstract
Abstract A unitary device for making connection to an underwater object to facilitate lifting or moving the latter. The assembly includes a suction cup selectively communicating with a reservoir of air at or below atmospheric pressure (or a pressure less than ambient pressure), and valve means for interconnecting these components after the cup has been placed on the object to be moved, thereby lowering the pressure within the cup and causing the latter to firmly grip the object. The invention device is entirely selfcontained and requires no external equipment for its operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Harvey H Haynes
- 👤 Lawrence F Kahn
- 👤 Rodger A Hoofnagle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:14
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66C; B66C1/00; B66C1/02; B66C1/0293; B63; B63C; B63C7/00; B63C7/16; B63C7/22; B66C1/0212; B66C1/0256; B66C1/0275
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A self-contained object manipulating device which can be detachably secured to an underwater object comprising: a chamber having an open face for engagement with an object; said chamber having a cup shaped portion being removable for interchanging various size cups whereby various surface shapes and areas may be accommodated; a reservoir of air at or below atmospheric pressure; said reservoir being a toroidally shaped tank attached to said chamber by a plurality of rigid spokes with one of said spokes acting as a passageway between the reservoir and the chamber; a valve means in said passageway for controlling the the flow of air between the reservoir and the chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A self-contained object manipulating device which can be detachably secured to an underwater object comprising: a chamber having an open face for engagement with an object; said chamber having a cup shaped portion being removable for interchanging various size cups whereby various surface shapes and areas may be accommodated; a reservoir of air at or below atmospheric pressure; said reservoir being a toroidally shaped tank attached to said chamber by a plurality of rigid spokes with one of said spokes acting as a passageway between the reservoir and the chamber; a valve means in said passageway for controlling the the flow of air between the reservoir and the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 wherein a pressure gauge is attached to the reservoir to indicate the maximum safe pressure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said pressure gauge is a differential gauge adapted to measure the difference between the reservoir pressure and ambient pressure whereby the amount of attaching force available may be determined.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said reservoir is divided into two sections whereby a reserve air supply is provided to recharge the main section of the reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said valve is a three-way valve operable to open or close the passageway or vent the chamber.
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) | 1975-12-05 | 1976-06-05 | 1976-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-05 | 1980-06-05 | 1980-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-05 | 1984-06-05 | 1984-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |