US3785313A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spherical module connectors
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1972-08-14
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1992-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Elongate rigid flotation modules are coupled together along deck and submerged portions to provide a stable floating platform. The submerged portion on one of the floating modules is spherically shaped and a cylindrical extension from the submerged portion of an adjacent flotation module is configured to mechanically cooperate with the spherically-shaped portion in a sealed relationship. Evacuating the water from the now-sealed cylindrical extension creates a pressure differential which holds the submerged portions of the flotation modules together. This manner of seating between the cylindrical extension on the spherically-shaped surface allows precise positioning of the deck portions prior to their interconnection.
Inventors
- 👤 E Rosenberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:59
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/44; B63B35/4413; B63B1/00; B63B1/02; B63B1/10; B63B1/107; B63B5/00; B63B5/14; B63B5/18; B63B75/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
An apparatus for coupling the submerged portions of flotation modules comprising: means providing a spherical surface disposed on the submerged portion of one flotation module; means carried on the submerged portion of an adjacent flotation module for defining a water-filled cylindrically-shaped cavity integrally extending from said adjacent flotation module, both flotation modules are provided with openings in communication with said cavity and after the water has been evacuated, create a passageway between the flotation modules; means mounted on the outwardmost extreme of the means defining a cavity forming an annular sealing surface having a crosssectional radius corresponding to said spherical surface; at least one tensioning rod engaging both flotation modules for forcing said annular sealing surface and said spherical surface together in a sealing relationship; a resilient ring carried on said annular sealing surface for ensuring said sealing relationship; a grease coating said resilient sealing ring and said spherical surface further ensuring said sealing relationship; means for evacuating the water from the cavity creating an area of lower pressure and thereby affecting said coupling; and a plurality of reinforcing bars extending from each flotation module within a cylindrical casting chamber coaxially insiDe of a cylindrically-shaped member enclosing said cavity and a casting material fills said casting chamber for further ensuring the coupling of flotation modules.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
215 words
An apparatus for coupling the submerged portions of flotation modules comprising: means providing a spherical surface disposed on the submerged portion of one flotation module; means carried on the submerged portion of an adjacent flotation module for defining a water-filled cylindrically-shaped cavity integrally extending from said adjacent flotation module, both flotation modules are provided with openings in communication with said cavity and after the water has been evacuated, create a passageway between the flotation modules; means mounted on the outwardmost extreme of the means defining a cavity forming an annular sealing surface having a crosssectional radius corresponding to said spherical surface; at least one tensioning rod engaging both flotation modules for forcing said annular sealing surface and said spherical surface together in a sealing relationship; a resilient ring carried on said annular sealing surface for ensuring said sealing relationship; a grease coating said resilient sealing ring and said spherical surface further ensuring said sealing relationship; means for evacuating the water from the cavity creating an area of lower pressure and thereby affecting said coupling; and a plurality of reinforcing bars extending from each flotation module within a cylindrical casting chamber coaxially insiDe of a cylindrically-shaped member enclosing said cavity and a casting material fills said casting chamber for further ensuring the coupling of flotation modules.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which there is provided a cofferdam wall coaxially inwardly disposed with respect to said cylindrically-shaped member for defining the inner diameter of said cylindrical casting chamber and for maintaining said passageway.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |