US3693418A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable force probe
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1970-12-17
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A hand operated force probe for applying a preset force against an object to determine if the object is properly secured comprising a plunger engaged by rollers fitting in an annular groove in the plunger. The rollers are held in the groove by longitudinal yieldable springs and the effective length of the springs is adjustable to vary the stiffness of the springs and thus vary the force required to ride the rollers out of the groove. In operation, the end of the plunger is pressed against a surface and when the force applied through the plunger exceeds the preset force, i.e. the force required to ride the rollers out of the groove, the plunger promptly retracts.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter E Kaspareck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M99/00; G01L; G01L5/00; G01L5/0028; G01L5/0038; G01N; G01N3/00; G01N3/40; G01N3/42; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/50; G01R31/66; G01R31/68; G01R31/69; H; H01; H01R; H01R43/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
An adjustable force probe for applying an adjustable preset force against an object comprising: a plunger slidably disposed in a longitudinal sleeve; an irregularity on the surface of said plunger forming an indentation; a flexibly mounted detent element bearing against said indentation; angular contacting surfaces existing between said detent element and said indentation in the longitudinal direction of said plunger whereby a longitudinal force applied against said plunger in at least one direction will tend to force said detent element laterally and outwardly of said plunger and thus ride said detent element out of said indentation to permit sliding of said plunger in said sleeve; means for adjusting the mounting flexibility of said detent element to thereby adjust the amount of longitudinal force required against said plunger to ride said detent element out of said indentation and permit sliding of said plunger; said flexible mounting of said detent element comprising a metallic strip linked with said detent element and extending longitudinally of said plunger and said sleeve; said means for adjusting said mounting flexibility of said detent element comprising a contact portion bearing on said metallic strip, means for moving said contact portion longitudinally of said strip to thereby vary the effective length of said strip.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
An adjustable force probe for applying an adjustable preset force against an object comprising: a plunger slidably disposed in a longitudinal sleeve; an irregularity on the surface of said plunger forming an indentation; a flexibly mounted detent element bearing against said indentation; angular contacting surfaces existing between said detent element and said indentation in the longitudinal direction of said plunger whereby a longitudinal force applied against said plunger in at least one direction will tend to force said detent element laterally and outwardly of said plunger and thus ride said detent element out of said indentation to permit sliding of said plunger in said sleeve; means for adjusting the mounting flexibility of said detent element to thereby adjust the amount of longitudinal force required against said plunger to ride said detent element out of said indentation and permit sliding of said plunger; said flexible mounting of said detent element comprising a metallic strip linked with said detent element and extending longitudinally of said plunger and said sleeve; said means for adjusting said mounting flexibility of said detent element comprising a contact portion bearing on said metallic strip, means for moving said contact portion longitudinally of said strip to thereby vary the effective length of said strip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said detent element comprises a roller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said contact portion comprises a ring encircling said sleeve and said plunger, said ring having a projection in contact with said metallic strip, said means for moving said contact portion longitudinally of said strip comprising a cylindrical section engaging said ring and surrounding and threadedly engaging said sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said indentation comprises an annular groove extending around said plunger, a pair of said rollers fitted in said groove on diametrically opposite sides of said plunger, each of said rollers having one of said metallic strips linked thereto, said ring having a pair of said projections, one of said projections slidably contacting each of said strips.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said annular groove comprises a pair of opposite conical surfaces, said rollers each comprising a pair of spaced circular portions having conical surfaces corresponding to and bearing against said conical surfaces of said groove, said spaced portions being joined by a circular shaft extending between said portions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 including a bearing element joined to each of said metallic strips and engaging one of said circular shafts, a circular recess in each of said bearing elements receiving one of said shafts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
89 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said sleeve comprises a pair of diametrically opposed slots, each of said rollers projecting into one of said slots, said sleeve having a pair of longitudinal grooves formed in the outer surface thereof and aligned with said slots, each of said metallic strips being disposed in one of said longitudinal grooves, each of said projections of said ring extending into one of said longitudinal grooves, said metallic strips being fixed to said sleeve at a portion thereof remote from said rollers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 including a stop at one end of said sleeve for limiting sliding of said plunger in the direction of said stop, a spring within said sleeve urging said plunger against said stop, said rollers being in said groove when said plunger is bearing against said stop.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as defined in claim 8 including electrically energized means for audibly indicating sliding of said plunger away from said stop.
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) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |