US3713345A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1971-11-01
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Granted: 1973-01-30
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Expires: 1991-11-01
Abstract
Abstract A fail-safe mechanical timer mechanism is provided having a spring connection between the main spring input and the driving gear such that the relative positions of the drive spring end and the driving gear are maintained as a function of the escape mechanism retarding torque. A lockup feature is provided when the proper relationship between driving torque and escapement energy dissipation rate does not exist.
Inventors
- 👤 T Sands
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:34
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04F; G04F3/00; G04F3/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/15; Y10T74/1502
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism, comprising: means for supplying input power; a drive gear train; a speed retarding mechanism coupled to said drive gear train; and means coupling said input power supplying means to said drive gear train, including a limited displacement spring whereby the displacement of said spring is proportional to the retarding torque of said speed retarding mechanism.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism, comprising: means for supplying input power; a drive gear train; a speed retarding mechanism coupled to said drive gear train; and means coupling said input power supplying means to said drive gear train, including a limited displacement spring whereby the displacement of said spring is proportional to the retarding torque of said speed retarding mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism, comprising: means for supplying input power; a drive gear train; a speed retarding mechanism coupled to said drive gear train; and means coupling said input power supplying means to said drive gear train, including a limited displacement spring whereby the displacement of said spring is proportional to the retarding torque of said speed retarding mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism, comprising: means for supplying input power; a drive gear train; a speed retarding mechanism coupled to said drive gear train; and means coupling said input power supplying means to said drive gear train, including a limited displacement spring whereby the displacement of said spring is proportional to the retarding torque of said speed retarding mechanism.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism in accordance with claim 1, wherein said coupling means includes a timing member coupled to said means for supplying input power and a safing member, said limited displacement spring coupling said timing member to said safing member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism in accordance with claim 2, wherein said timing member and said safing member each include disc portions having radial notches therein, where said notches will be aligned when a predetermined relationship exists between the driving torque and the speed retarding mechanism dissipation rate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism in accordance with claim 3, wherein said disc portions of said timing member and said safing member are concentric and the outside diameter of said timing member disc portion is greater than the outside diameter of said safing member disc portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
60 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism in accordance with claim 4, further including an output member having an arm thereon which is prevented from providing an output until said aligned notches in said safing and timing member rotate to the position of said arm whereby said arm will enter said notches and said output member will have a motion imparted thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
A mechanical timer fail-safe mechanism in accordance with claim 4, wherein said disc portion of said timing member includes a pin at the upper surface thereof and said disc portion of said safing member includes a circumferential slot therein, said pin arranged to move in aid slot with said limited displacement spring also positioned in said slot adjacent said pin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3677101A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-30 | 1976-07-31 | 1977-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-30 | 1980-07-31 | 1981-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-30 | 1984-07-31 | 1985-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |