Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
In a fishing net mechanized hauling system, the combination comprising a sheave device including a net-engaging sheave over which a net is draped in the process of hauling the net, a support frame to support the sheave for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, net guide means also supported by the frame to help direct the net in passing over the sheave, and a sheave drive for turning the sheave under power so as to haul the net passing over the sheave, said combination further comprising a net-engaging presser wheel, a moveable support carrying the presser wheel for rotation about an axis generally parallel with the sheave axis while maintaining the wheel in rolling contact with the net where it passes over the sheave, a wheel drive for turning the wheel under power at a torque maintaining its surface speed substantially the same as the speed of the net which it contacts while pressed against such net, and wheel support actuator means operable through the wheel support to press the wheel against such net so as to inhibit the shearing tendency in the net passing over the sheave.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
In a fishing net mechanized hauling system, the combination comprising a sheave device including a net-engaging sheave over which a net is draped in the process of hauling the net, a support frame to support the sheave for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, net guide means also supported by the frame to help direct the net in passing over the sheave, and a sheave drive for turning the sheave under power so as to haul the net passing over the sheave, said combination further comprising a net-engaging presser wheel, a moveable support carrying the presser wheel for rotation about an axis generally parallel with the sheave axis while maintaining the wheel in rolling contact with the net where it passes over the sheave, a wheel drive for turning the wheel under power at a torque maintaining its surface speed substantially the same as the speed of the net which it contacts while pressed against such net, and wheel support actuator means operable through the wheel support to press the wheel against such net so as to inhibit the shearing tendency in the net passing over the sheave.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination defined in claim 1 and means to selectively adjust pressure of the presser wheel applied by the actuator means so as to vary the effect of the presser wheel in internal shearing tendency in the net passing over the sheave.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination defined in claim 2 and means commonly connected with the wheel drive and wheel support actuator means so as to increase and decrease wheel pressure automatically with increase and decrease of power drive torque applied to the wheel
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein the presser wheel drive comprises a first hydraulic fluid motor and the wheel support actuator means comprises a hydraulic pressure fluid actuator, said means commonly connected comprising a source of hydraulic pressure fluid including means to selectively vary the pressure of such fluid, and associated hydraulic circuit means connecting said source to both the actuator means and the motor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
111 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein the fluid actuator comprises a pistOn and cylinder hydraulic actuator and the circuit means includes a pressure regulator therein regulatively limiting at a selected maximum the drive pressure of hydraulic fluid applied to said motor and actuator, said circuit means further including a fluid path for direct flow of pressure fluid between the fluid motor and fluid actuator whereby fluid back-flowing from the actuator in response to reactive outward deflection of the wheel caused by thickening of the net, against pressure of the actuator, is accommodated by passage of such back-flowing fluid through the fluid motor when operating pressure of the regulator is exceeded.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination defined in claim 3 wherein the sheave drive comprises a second hydraulic fluid motor also connected in said circuit means for operation by said source independently of said pressure regulator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination defined in claim 6 and valve means in said circuit means for selectively reversing the direction of driven rotation of the second hydraulic motor, and alternately for stopping such driven rotation of both motors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein the circuit means includes connections which afford a path to the actuator for flow of hydraulic fluid pressed back by the second motor in response to reactive reversed direction of rotation of the second motor caused by reverse movement of the net, whereby the wheel pressure against the net is then increased by the actuator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination defined in claim 8 wherein the circuit means include a separate reversible control valve in the path from the source to the actuator so as to permit lifting of the presser wheel thereby from the net independently of driven rotation of the second hydraulic fluid motor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The combination defined in claim 1 further including means operable to control actuator pressure of the wheel against the net, said last means being responsive to reverse direction of rotation of the sheave caused by movement of the fishing net through the sheave so as to increase such actuator pressure in response to such reverse rotation.