Lightweight extendable and retractable pole

Patent · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:869416

Warren, John L ^[1]; Brandt, James E ^[1]

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1. Santa Barbara, CA

A lightweight extendable and retractable telescopic pole is disclosed comprising a plurality of non-metallic telescoping cylinders with sliding and sealing surfaces between the cylinders, a first plug member on the upper end of the smallest cylinder, and a second plug member on the lower end of the largest cylinder, whereby fluid pressure admitted to the largest cylinder will cause the telescoping cylinders to slide relative to one another causing the pole to extend. An elastomeric member connects the first plug member with one of the intermediate cylinders to urge the cylinders back into a collapsed position when the fluid pressure in the cylinders is vented. Annular elastomer members are provided which seal one cylinder to another when the pole is fully extended and further serve to provide a cushion to prevent damage to the cylinders when the pole is urged back into its retractable position by the elastomeric members and the venting of the pressure. A value mechanism associated with the pole is provided to admit a fluid under pressure to the interior of the telescoping cylinders of the pole while pressurizing a pressure relief port having an opening larger than the inlet port in a closed position whereby removal of the pressure on the relief port will cause the relief port to open to quickly lower the pressure in the interior of the telescoping cylinders to thereby assist in the rapid retraction of the extended pole.

• Research Organization: EG & G Energy Measurements Inc
• DOE Contract Number: AC08-88NV10617
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5333422
• OSTI ID: 869416
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/52/
admit
admitted
annular
assist
associated
causing
closed
closed position
collapsed
comprising
connects
cushion
cylinder
cylinders
damage
disclosed
disclosed comprising
elastomer
elastomeric
extend
extendable
extended
fluid
fluid pressure
inlet
interior
intermediate
larger
largest
lightweight
lightweight extendable
mechanism
non-metallic
plug
plurality
pole
position
pressure
pressure relief
pressurizing
prevent
prevent damage
provide
provided
quickly
rapid
relative
relief
removal
retractable
retraction
seal
sealing
sealing surface
sealing surfaces
serve
slide
sliding
surfaces
telescopic
telescoping
upper
urge
urged
value
vented
venting
whereby