US4284164A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustic pulse generator
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
•
Filing: 1979-12-21
•
Granted: 1981-08-18
•
Expires: 1999-12-21
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for generating an acoustic pulse in a medium including an upstanding cylindrical housing within which an impact piston supported by retainer springs is adapted to be propelled downwardly by high pressure expanding gas supplied from external high volume accumulators so as to a strike target plate resting on the ground adjacent the lower end of the housing. A small valve in the top of the cylinder is opened to supply sufficient gas pressure to overcome the spring bias and initiate piston motion. When the piston moves downward far enough to expose multiple large area ports in the housing side wall interconnected with the accumulators, the sudden inflow of gas pressure produces rapid piston acceleration and high energy impact with the target.
Inventors
- 👤 Tom P. Airhart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:35
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/02; G01V1/143; G01V1/147
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
Apparatus for generating an acoustic pulse in a medium comprising (a) a hollow cylindrical housing having a closed top and open bottom and adapted to be supported in an upstanding position, the sidewall of said housing being penetrated adjacent said closed top by one or more ports, (b) an impact piston movable within said housing (c) means for supporting said impact piston so as to block said ports (d) a source of compressed gas interconnected with said ports (e) means acting in opposition to said support means for effecting an initial downward displacement of said impact piston sufficient to clear said ports, thereby releasing said compressed gas within said housing to drive said impact piston downwardly to deliver a blow to a target positioned adjacent said housing bottom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
Apparatus for generating an acoustic pulse in a medium comprising (a) a hollow cylindrical housing having a closed top and open bottom and adapted to be supported in an upstanding position, the sidewall of said housing being penetrated adjacent said closed top by one or more ports, (b) an impact piston movable within said housing (c) means for supporting said impact piston so as to block said ports (d) a source of compressed gas interconnected with said ports (e) means acting in opposition to said support means for effecting an initial downward displacement of said impact piston sufficient to clear said ports, thereby releasing said compressed gas within said housing to drive said impact piston downwardly to deliver a blow to a target positioned adjacent said housing bottom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support means comprises a spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said closed top is provided with a valve controlled inlet adapated to introduce compressed gas from said source above said piston to effect said initial displacement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the force producing said initial displacement is small in relation to the force applied to said impact piston subsequent thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said closed top is provided with upwardly extending vents for reacting said compressed gas to compensate for the recoil of said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the total combined cross sectional area of said ports is large in relation to the cross sectional area of said cylindrical housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
CA578595A
Cited
US2489748A
Cited
US3288244A
Cited
US3514071A
Cited
SU473140A1
Cited
US4095667A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-08-17 | 1985-02-16 | 1985-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-08-17 | 1989-02-16 | 1989-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-08-17 | 1993-02-16 | 1993-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |