The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 23, 1977
Filed:
Jul. 09, 1976
Joseph E Zupanick, Richardson, TX (US);
Sun Oil Company Limited, Toronto, CA;
Abstract
A method of and apparatus for the installation and retrieval of instrumentation hardware supported through a hole in a section of ice is provided wherein an expansion member such as an inflatable bladder is utilized for displacing water normally subject to freezing within the hole. The inflatable bladder comprises an elongated expandable sleeve of sufficient length to substantially extend the ultimate depth of the hole in the ice for engaging and bearing against the sidewalls thereof. A portion of the hardware adapted for the surface support thereof may be disposed within the bladder as well as therebeneath and may be retrieved at a date subsequent to installation by deflating the bladder without the problem of said hardware being frozen in or beneath the ice. The configuration of the laterally expandable sleeve then permits structural interconnection from the top surface of the ice to the underneath side and communication with the environment therebeneath while providing lateral stability and preventing ice build-up which would adversely hinder its retrieval from the hole.