Recovery and deployment device
US5356187A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66C1/425
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A recovery and deployment device consists of a relatively small base and a lurality of cable controlled armatures extending therefrom in substantially the same direction. Drive cables operate on the armatures for driving the end portions toward either an open or closed position. Each armature includes an elongated tentacle having a first end fixed to the support base and a terminating head portion. Inbound and outbound guides are provided for assisting in moving the free ends of the tentacles either inwardly or outwardly relative to their rest position. The armatures are arranged on the base in a petal-like interleaved array that permits interference-free overlapping of adjacent armatures upon closing movement out of the rest position, as well as movement of the free ends of each tentacle outwardly relative to the rest position so as to provide an enlarged target zone for recovering an object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.