Patent ID: 6231009
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: B64C,B64D,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
A fluid actuated docking system, comprising:a first fluid storage tank including a hollow tank body having an open first end and a flow port formed in a second end disposed generally opposite said first end, a base wall movably received within said open first end of said tank body and cooperating therewith to define an interior chamber for receiving a selected fluid, and means for controllably and selectively advancing said base wall in a direction toward said flow port to dispense fluid from said chamber, and for retracting said base wall in a direction away from said flow port to draw fluid into said chamber;a second fluid storage tank including a hollow tank body having an open first end and a flow port formed in a second end disposed generally opposite said first end, a base wall movably received within said open first end of said tank body and cooperating therewith to define an interior chamber for receiving a selected fluid;means for interconnecting said flow ports of said first and second tanks for fluid transfer between said first and second tanks; anda docking element carried by said base wall of said second storage tank, whereby advancing movement of said base wall of said first storage tank is effective to transfer fluid from said first storage tank to said second storage tank and thereby displace said base wall of said second storage tank in a direction to extend said docking element, and retracting movement of said base wall of said first storage tank is effective to transfer fluid from said second storage tank to said first storage tank and thereby displace said base wall of said second storage tank in a direction to retract said docking element.