US3885440A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Free-grab device for collecting underwater samples
Assignee: Societe Le Nickel SLN SA
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Filing: 1973-07-17
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1993-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A free-grab device for collecting underwater samples. This device comprises a box-like frame, the bottom and two side faces of which are covered at least partially by an orificed wall, the other side faces being uncovered; two similar pick-up jaws which are fitted with scraping blades and which are pivoted on said frame to be displaceable between an open position in which they extend generally towards one another and a closed position in which they are in effective engagement with the uncovered side faces of the frame; return means acting on said jaws to urge them outwardly of said open position towards said closed position; releasable locking means acting on said jaws to lock them in said open position; and release means acting on said locking means to free said jaws when the device touches the seabed.
Inventors
- 👤 Andre Rossfelder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:31
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B49/00; E21B49/02; E21B49/025; E21C; E21C50/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A free-grab device for collecting underwater samples, the device comprising a box-like frame, the bottom and two side faces of which are covered at least partially by an orificed wall, the other side faces being uncovered; two similar pick-up jaws which are fitted with scraping blades and which are pivoted on said frame to be displaceable between an open position in which they extend generally towards one another and a closed position in which they are in effective engagement with the uncovered side faces of the frame; return means acting on said jaws to urge them outwardly of said open position towards said closed position; releasable locking means acting on said jaws to lock them in said open position; and release means acting on said locking means to free said jaws when the device touches the sea-bed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A free-grab device for collecting underwater samples, the device comprising a box-like frame, the bottom and two side faces of which are covered at least partially by an orificed wall, the other side faces being uncovered; two similar pick-up jaws which are fitted with scraping blades and which are pivoted on said frame to be displaceable between an open position in which they extend generally towards one another and a closed position in which they are in effective engagement with the uncovered side faces of the frame; return means acting on said jaws to urge them outwardly of said open position towards said closed position; releasable locking means acting on said jaws to lock them in said open position; and release means acting on said locking means to free said jaws when the device touches the sea-bed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A free-grab device according to claim 1, in which each of said jaws comprises a cutting blade mounted between two walls pivoted on said frame, said jaws being covered at least partially by an orificed wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A free-grab device according to claim 1, in which said orificied walls comprise net, the edges of which are secured to said frame and to said jaws.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A free-grab device according to claim 1, in which said return means comprise two resilient loops stretched between said jaws and passing over members secured to said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
A free-grab device according claim 1, in which said locking means comprise two substantially non-resilient cables each of which is secured by its end to said jaws on the same side of the sampling device, and the two cables being interconnected at their mid zones at the upper part of the device by means of a releasable connecting member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A free-grab device according claim 1, which comprises a releasable ballast and a resilient cradle mounted on said frame to hold said ballast in position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A free-grab device according to claim 1, in which said jaws are at an angle of the order of 90* to one another, in said open position of the device, the cutting blades then being substantially contiguous.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3572129A
Cited
US3509772A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |