US3874325A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Search and recovery device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-12-13
•
Granted: 1975-04-01
•
Expires: 1993-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A search and recovery device includes a deflated balloon, a pressure cartridge enveloped by the deflated balloon and containing under pressure a gas which is normally lighter than air, a gas-release means in the cartridge, an actuator means enveloped by the deflated balloon and arranged in a position relative to the cartridge to actuate said gas-release means, and hammer means outside said balloon arranged to apply force through said balloon to said actuator means, causing release of gas within the balloon. The type and amount of gas contained in the cartridge is sufficient to lift the balloon by buoyance in air even with the cartridge and the actuator means carried in the balloon.
Inventors
- 👤 Iii John Cocker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:07
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C9/00; B63C9/21; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S116/00; Y10S116/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
In a search and recovery position indicating device, the combination comprising a container in which is positioned a sealed and deflated balloon, a pressure cartridge enveloped by and contained within said deflated balloon within said conTainer and containing under pressure a gas which is normally lighter than air, said cartridge having a gas-release means, shiftable actuator means also enveloped by and located within said deflated balloon and arranged in a position adjacent to said cartridge which, when moved, actuates said gas-release means, and blunt means also within said container but outside said balloon arranged to be shifted within said container to apply force through said balloon to said actuator means, and forcing means movable in said container to shift said blunt means, whereby the actuator means actuates the gas-release means, causing release of said gas within said balloon, with attendant release of said balloon by said container, the type and amount of gas contained in the cartridge being sufficient to lift the balloon by buoyancy in air even with the cartridge and the actuator means carried in the balloon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
In a search and recovery position indicating device, the combination comprising a container in which is positioned a sealed and deflated balloon, a pressure cartridge enveloped by and contained within said deflated balloon within said conTainer and containing under pressure a gas which is normally lighter than air, said cartridge having a gas-release means, shiftable actuator means also enveloped by and located within said deflated balloon and arranged in a position adjacent to said cartridge which, when moved, actuates said gas-release means, and blunt means also within said container but outside said balloon arranged to be shifted within said container to apply force through said balloon to said actuator means, and forcing means movable in said container to shift said blunt means, whereby the actuator means actuates the gas-release means, causing release of said gas within said balloon, with attendant release of said balloon by said container, the type and amount of gas contained in the cartridge being sufficient to lift the balloon by buoyancy in air even with the cartridge and the actuator means carried in the balloon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said container has a removable lid, and said blunt means includes a hammer portion accessible by removing said lid to manually actuate said hammer portion, said forcing means extending adjacent said lid and being mounted in said container for actuating contact of said blunt means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device according to claim 2, wherein the hammer means includes an elongated pivoted member and a wedge-shaped actuator member carried on the lid of said container and responsive to movement of said elongated pivoted member to actuate said gas-release means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein a light line is provided in said container, and outside of said balloon, and connected to said outside of said balloon and to said container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said pressure cartridge has a puncturable portion for releasing the contained gas, and wherein said actuator means has a sharp pointed configuration arranged to punch said puncturable portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said actuator means has a smooth-surfaced portion within said balloon extending adjacent the inner surface of said balloon, and said blunt means has a smooth-surfaced portion outside of said balloon extending adjacent the outer surface of said balloon, whereby actuating force is transmitted through the wall of the balloon without puncturing the balloon when said blunt means is shifted into pressure contact with said balloon and, through said balloon, with said actuating means.
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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) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |