US3866561A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-deploying variable float pendant
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1973-09-25
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1993-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A self-deploying pendant for use in minesweeping apparatus between the paravane and the float that is maintained short at launch to avoid entanglement but self-deploys to a predetermined length when launched into the water. The predetermined length may be adjusted immediately before launch of the minesweeping gear to place the cable or paravane at the desired sweep depth.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles W Sieber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:16
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63G; B63G7/00; B63G7/02; B63G7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A self-deploying variable length float pendant and unwinding system for minesweeping gear, comprising: a pendant of flexible cable material for connecting a minesweeping paravane and float; a spindle affixed in said float; a spool attached for rotation on said spindle, and having wound thereon a length of said pendant; a releasable detent connecting said spool to said spindle; and a positive detent stop on said spindle for terminating the rotation of said spool when a desired length of pendant has been payed out.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A self-deploying variable length float pendant and unwinding system for minesweeping gear, comprising: a pendant of flexible cable material for connecting a minesweeping paravane and float; a spindle affixed in said float; a spool attached for rotation on said spindle, and having wound thereon a length of said pendant; a releasable detent connecting said spool to said spindle; and a positive detent stop on said spindle for terminating the rotation of said spool when a desired length of pendant has been payed out.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The self-deploying variable length pendant and unwinding system of claim 1, wherein: said spindle is threaded; and said spool is threadably engaged with said threaded spindle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The self-deploying variable length pendant and unwinding system of claim 2, wherein: said releasable detent is a shear pin having a predetermined shear strength and engaged through said spindle; and said positive detent stop is a locknut threadably engaged on and adjustable along said threaded spindle; whereby said shear pin shears when the paravane sinks away from the float, and said locknut stops the payout of said pendant to a predetermined length.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The self-deploying variable length pendant and unwinding system of claim 3, further comprising: a fairlead surrounding said pendant adjacent said spool.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2524863A
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US2987029A
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US3162870A
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US3336892A
Cited
US3351158A
Cited
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Cited
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |