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US 9,539,710 B2Granted
Self-aligning plug removal device and method therefor
OwnerDarlene M. Heimmerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A plug removal device for removing a plug from an access port located below a deck includes retracting means and a framework supporting the retracting means at an elevated position with respect to the deck. The framework is rigid and has a central axis. The retracting means produces a retracting force along a retracting axis. In response to the retracting means producing the retracting force, the framework moves along the deck to align the retracting axis with the central axis.
Claims5
A plug removal device comprising:
- a base having a contact face continuously encircling an opening, and a central axis extending through the base through the opening;
- the contact face of the base is smooth and defines a low-friction surface for juxtaposition with a flat surface;
- retracting means supported at an elevated position above the base, the retracting means produces a retracting force and includes a threaded shank and a flexible tether rotatably coupled to the threaded shank and terminating in a catch;
- the retracting means moves along a retracting axis from an extended position to a retracted position;
- and
- in response to the retracting means moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the base moves to align the central axis with the retracting axis.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.