US3979835A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for measuring carcasses
Assignee: Gwaltney of Smithfield Ltd
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Filing: 1975-08-15
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Granted: 1976-09-14
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Expires: 1995-08-15
Abstract
Abstract According to the disclosure, a tool is provided for measuring the thickness of fat in a carcass and producing a signal representative of the measured thickness, and means is coupled to said tool for receiving and storing a value representing a measured thickness.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard F. Sumption
- 👤 Charles H. Wallace
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/02; G01B7/06; G01B7/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A measuring tool for insertion into a body and producing a signal proportionate to the depth of insertion, comprising: a tool body having a cavity therein; longitudinally extending insertion means mounted to said body; a hand grip mounted to said body; a transducer mounted in said cavity and having an extendable and retractable output cable; spring means mounted in said cavity; coupling means connected to said spring means and to said output cable, such that said spring means retains said output cable in a first extended position; slide means longitudinally and slidably mounted on said insertion means and extending to said body and coupled to said coupling means; and means on said tool positioned for being manually activated to indicate when said transducer signal is representative of the depth of insertion into said body by said insertion means, and said means is desirably activated when the said slide means is moved from the first extended position to a displaced positon corresponding to the depth of insertion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A measuring tool for insertion into a body and producing a signal proportionate to the depth of insertion, comprising: a tool body having a cavity therein; longitudinally extending insertion means mounted to said body; a hand grip mounted to said body; a transducer mounted in said cavity and having an extendable and retractable output cable; spring means mounted in said cavity; coupling means connected to said spring means and to said output cable, such that said spring means retains said output cable in a first extended position; slide means longitudinally and slidably mounted on said insertion means and extending to said body and coupled to said coupling means; and means on said tool positioned for being manually activated to indicate when said transducer signal is representative of the depth of insertion into said body by said insertion means, and said means is desirably activated when the said slide means is moved from the first extended position to a displaced positon corresponding to the depth of insertion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein said hand grip has mounted thereon said activating means, whereby the hand holding the tool by the handle may activate said means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein said tool includes a trimming potentiometer mounted in said cavity and electrically coupled to said transducer for adjusting the signal output of said transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tool of claim 1 including a connector means mounted on said tool body for coupling a supply voltage to said transducer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tool of claim 1 including a mounting ring fixedly attached to the tool body to enable hanging of the tool in a predetermined position.
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) | 1979-09-14 | 1980-03-15 | 1980-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-14 | 1984-03-15 | 1984-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-14 | 1988-03-15 | 1988-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |