Apparatus and methods for processing a submerged work surface
US6373019B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/0061
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An underwater exclusion device includes a housing for a welding torch having leading and trailing arrays of pivotal fingers for engaging in grooves along a work surface to exclude water from an exclusion area within the housing containing the welding torch. The fingers are pivotally mounted and independently and individually movable under the bias of springs between retracted and extended positions. The fingers have radiussed distal ends for engaging the work surface. Upon application of the device to the work surface, the leading and trailing arrays of fingers are displaced under spring pressure to engage their distal ends against the work surface, excluding water from within the housing. The side walls of the housing carry seals for seating along the work surface to prevent water incursion in gaps between the side walls and the work surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.