Patent US3749933A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3749933A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater release device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-12-02
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Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1991-12-02
Abstract
Abstract A device for releasing load tension from submerged objects, such as a mooring line in tension, which device may be remotely operated to effect release and is comprised of an outer container, load attachment means, a stored energy source, a thermally fusible link element, switching components, sensors, such as attitude or pressure depth, and a force-multiplying mechanical release mechanism wherein the stored electrical energy is released upon command to fuse said link element and thereby permit said mechanical release mechanism to uncouple one of said load-attachment devices.
Inventors
- 👤 W Davidson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:21
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; B; B63; B63B; B63B21/00; B63B21/56; B63B21/58; B63B21/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A release mechanism, the combination comprising: releasable coupling means including a relatively fixed member and a releasable member releasably coupled together with force multiplying means; actuator means rotatable between an armed position for engaging and holding said releasable member in its coupling position, and a disarmed position for uncoupling said releasable member; biasing means urging said actuator means from its armed to its disarmed position; locking means for engaging and retaining said actuator means in its armed position consisting of a fusible link which, in response to command, is thermally fused by electric current means, thereby releasing said actuator means for rotation by said biasing means to its disarmed position; electrical energy means to supply said electric current means for melting said fusible link; communicating means for connecting said electrical energy means with said fusible link, including manual arming switch and operating switch means responsive to command.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A release mechanism, the combination comprising: releasable coupling means including a relatively fixed member and a releasable member releasably coupled together with force multiplying means; actuator means rotatable between an armed position for engaging and holding said releasable member in its coupling position, and a disarmed position for uncoupling said releasable member; biasing means urging said actuator means from its armed to its disarmed position; locking means for engaging and retaining said actuator means in its armed position consisting of a fusible link which, in response to command, is thermally fused by electric current means, thereby releasing said actuator means for rotation by said biasing means to its disarmed position; electrical energy means to supply said electric current means for melting said fusible link; communicating means for connecting said electrical energy means with said fusible link, including manual arming switch and operating switch means responsive to command.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
In a release mechanism, the combination in accordance with claim 1, and said operating switch means further including a relay, such as a silicon controlled rectifier, reSponsive to command for connecting said electrical energy means with said fusible link.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
In a release mechanism, the combination in accordance with claim 1, and said operating switch means further including a sensor, such as a pressure sensor to sense depth or a mercury switch to sense a change in attitude, an acoustic receiver, a timing device or direct wire to control the closing of said operating switch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
In a release mechanism, the combination in accordance with claim 2, and said operating switch means further including a sensor, such as a pressure sensor to sense depth or a mercury switch to sense a change in attitude, an acoustic receiver, a timing device or direct wire to operate said relay.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A release mechanism, the combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein the improvement comprises the substitution of a test plug for said arming switch to provide means for monitoring the condition of said electrical energy means or a source of new energy.
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) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |