Patent US3709380A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3709380A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Weapon loader
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-09-30
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Granted: 1973-01-09
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Expires: 1991-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A flexible, rapid-lift rate, rapidly positioned missile loader with sufficient pitch-roll-yaw freedoms to accelerate weapon loading and the like. The missile loader poses the missile on a long spring column of air leaving it free to be ''''float'''' positioned to final indexing. Air is induced into bellows type lifting elements by a low pressure powered blower. Transverse positioning of the loader carriage is easily accomplished through the provision of air-actuated lift outrigger wheels.
Inventors
- 👤 C Cole
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:24
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41A; F41A9/00; F41A9/87
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A wheeled transporting and lifting vehicle having limited pitch, roll and yaw freedoms for rapidly and precisely indexing load lugs to attach fittings, comprising: a. a vehicle carriage frame having first wheel means thereon, for moving said vehicle about; b. pneumatic lift means carried beneath said carriage frame; c. outrigger wheel means being attached to said pneumatic lift means; d. said outrigger wheel means operable to be raised and lowered, and locking means provided to hold said out-rigger wheel means in either of said raised and lowered positions; e. bellows means attached to the upper side of said vehicle carriage frame; f. cradle means in which a load is carried being provided at the top of said bellows means; g. pressure means for providing pneumatic pressure to said bellows means for expanding the bellows and lifting said cradle means; h. means for activating said pneumatic lift means wherein when said outrigger wheel means are locked in the lowered position said vehicle carriage frame with said first wheel means can be lifted and said vehicle can be moved in transverse directions on said outrigger wheel means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A wheeled transporting and lifting vehicle having limited pitch, roll and yaw freedoms for rapidly and precisely indexing load lugs to attach fittings, comprising: a. a vehicle carriage frame having first wheel means thereon, for moving said vehicle about; b. pneumatic lift means carried beneath said carriage frame; c. outrigger wheel means being attached to said pneumatic lift means; d. said outrigger wheel means operable to be raised and lowered, and locking means provided to hold said out-rigger wheel means in either of said raised and lowered positions; e. bellows means attached to the upper side of said vehicle carriage frame; f. cradle means in which a load is carried being provided at the top of said bellows means; g. pressure means for providing pneumatic pressure to said bellows means for expanding the bellows and lifting said cradle means; h. means for activating said pneumatic lift means wherein when said outrigger wheel means are locked in the lowered position said vehicle carriage frame with said first wheel means can be lifted and said vehicle can be moved in transverse directions on said outrigger wheel means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein toggle-arm members are connected between said carriage frame and said cradle means for steadying said cradle means when said bellows means are expanded and the cradle means raised, and manual manipulation of said cradle means permits a flotation effect with limited pitch, roll and yaw for precision positioning of a load to attach fittings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said pressure means is a low pressure blower.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein bleeder valve means is provided to release the pressure in said bellows means for ease in positioning said cradle means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said pressure means provides pneumatic pressure to both said bellows means and said pneumatic lift means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said first wheel means permits steering of said vehicle carriage frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device as in claim 1 wherein said outrigger wheel means comprises a pair of hinged wheel support arms and wheels on each side of said vehicle, the axles of said outrigger wheels being substantially normal to said first wheel means.
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) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |