Patent US3915311A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3915311A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for handling large, fragile objects
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1974-01-21
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-01-21
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for handling a large object, i.e., for example, an annular core on which a tire carcass is to be formed, includes an annular wall positionable about the annular core, and a diaphragm associated with the inner surface of the wall and defining with the wall a chamber into which pressurized fluid may be directed. Such introduction of pressurized fluid expands the diaphragm so that such diaphragm comes into contact with and grips the core. The core may then be moved and/or turned over by manipulation of the wall.
Inventors
- 👤 Glen A Ball
- 👤 Keith E Koch
- 👤 Ivan R Lamport
- 👤 Robert W Untz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:53
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66C; B66C1/00; B66C1/10; B66C1/42; B66C1/44; B66C1/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for selectively gripping a fragile object comprising: rigid wall means positionable generally about the object; diaphragm means having edge portions associated with the inner surface of said wall means, said diaphragm means defining with said wall means an annular chamber and movable inwardly of the wall means to engage a portion of the outer surface of said object to thereby grip the object with the wall means so positioned; clamp means for sealingly retaining the edge portions of the diaphragm means between the wall means and the clamp means; and fluid pressure means for selectively moving said diaphragm means inwardly of said wall means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for selectively gripping a fragile object comprising: rigid wall means positionable generally about the object; diaphragm means having edge portions associated with the inner surface of said wall means, said diaphragm means defining with said wall means an annular chamber and movable inwardly of the wall means to engage a portion of the outer surface of said object to thereby grip the object with the wall means so positioned; clamp means for sealingly retaining the edge portions of the diaphragm means between the wall means and the clamp means; and fluid pressure means for selectively moving said diaphragm means inwardly of said wall means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clamp means comprise annular ring means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for selectively gripping a fragile objEct comprising: rigid wall means positionable generally about the object; diaphragm means associated with said wall means and defining with said wall means an annular chamber and movable inwardly of the wall means to engage a portion of the outer surface of said object to thereby grip the object, with the wall means so positioned; fluid pressure means for selectively moving said diaphragm means inwardly of said wall means; means for supporting the wall means on either side thereof, comprising; first and second support members disposed on opposite sides of the wall means; and means interconnecting the first support member and wall means and second support member and wall means, for allowing the wall means to be rotated generally about a diametrical axis thereof; one of the support members defining a bore communicating with the annular chamber and through which fluid pressure may be applied to the chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for selectively gripping a fragile objEct comprising: rigid wall means positionable generally about the object; diaphragm means associated with said wall means and defining with said wall means an annular chamber and movable inwardly of the wall means to engage a portion of the outer surface of said object to thereby grip the object, with the wall means so positioned; fluid pressure means for selectively moving said diaphragm means inwardly of said wall means; means for supporting the wall means on either side thereof, comprising; first and second support members disposed on opposite sides of the wall means; and means interconnecting the first support member and wall means and second support member and wall means, for allowing the wall means to be rotated generally about a diametrical axis thereof; one of the support members defining a bore communicating with the annular chamber and through which fluid pressure may be applied to the chamber.
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) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |