Manipulator apparatus for gripping submerged objects
US4674915A · kind A · utility
28Cited by
11References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C11/52
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A manipulator apparatus carried by a remotely operated vehicle is provided with a suction device capable of gripping underwater objects. The suction portion of the manipulator apparatus utilizes suction chambers isolated from the body of water. When fluid is removed from the suction chambers an appropriately shaped moveable wall moves inwardly thereby forming a suction cavity between the suction device and the object to be moved. The moveable wall may take the form of a rubber-like flexible membrane wall or a piston moveable within the suction portion of the manipulator apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.