US3722941A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine mammal underwater attachment and recovery tool
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1972-02-03
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1992-02-03
Abstract
Abstract An attachment and recovery tool for recovery of underwater objects has two telescopically extending arms which together with a central portion encircles the object to be recovered. The telescopically extending arms are urged into object engaging position by spring motor means mounted on the central portion. Latch units mounted on each telescopic arm secure them in encircling engagement with the object to be recovered. Cable means carried by said latch means cooperate with a lifting line to raise the object to the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 R Seiple
- 👤 E Ashenden
- 👤 R Webb
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:12
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C7/00; B63C7/16; B63C7/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
An object engaging system for attachment to an object resting on the floor of the sea comprising, in combination: an arcuate center member; object gripping arm means slidably supported on said center member for arcuate extensive movement between a retracted and an extended position with respect thereto; motor means attached to said arcuate center member and effectively connected to said object arm means for powering extension thereof with respect to said center member; latch means mounted on the extensible end of said object gripping arm means for latching said object gripping arm means to encircle said object; lIfting cable means attached to each latch means for encircling said object and providing a lifting noose thereabout.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
An object engaging system for attachment to an object resting on the floor of the sea comprising, in combination: an arcuate center member; object gripping arm means slidably supported on said center member for arcuate extensive movement between a retracted and an extended position with respect thereto; motor means attached to said arcuate center member and effectively connected to said object arm means for powering extension thereof with respect to said center member; latch means mounted on the extensible end of said object gripping arm means for latching said object gripping arm means to encircle said object; lIfting cable means attached to each latch means for encircling said object and providing a lifting noose thereabout.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An object engaging system according to claim 1 in which said object gripping arm means includes two object engaging arms mounted on opposite sides of said arcuate center member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
An object engaging means according to claim 2 further including: slot means in opposite sides of said arcuate center member for forming a guiding track therein; cooperating tongue means extending from one side of each of said object gripping arm means and engaged by said slot means for slidable support of said object gripping arm means upon said arcuate center member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An object engaging system according to claim 2 in which said motor means comprises a pair of spring wound motors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
An object engaging system according to claim 4 in which each said spring wound motor is attached to one of said object gripping arm means by a flexible metal cable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An object engaging system according to claim 5 in which said flexible metal cable is wound about its associated spring motor in such a fashion that moving the object engaging arm to its retracted position winds the motor for timely driving said arm to its extended position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
68 words
An object engaging system according to claim 6 further including: retaining means effectively mounted on said arcuate center member for engageably holding said object engaging arms in their retracted position; and trigger means effectively connected to said retaining means and extending through an aperture in said arcuate center member for release of said retaining means when said arcuate center member is pressed against the object to be engaged.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
70 words
An object engaging system according to claim 2 in which said latch means includes; a latch lock means resiliently carried by one object gripping arm for pivotal movement thereon; and latch key means rigidly carried on the other gripping arm and positioned to align with said latch lock means and shaped to cooperate with said latch lock means for engaging said latch lock means to form a secure couple therewith.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
An object engaging system according to claim 8 further including guide means carried by said arm supporting said latch lock means, said guide means being shaped so as to extend about said latch lock means and direct said latch key into cooperative engagement therewith.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
An object engaging system according to claim 1 in which said motor means comprises a spring wound motor.
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) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |