Rollable, large vertical aperture, acoustic planar towed array
US12405360B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01H3/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A planar sensor array includes a center tube, a first group of tubes, and a second group of tubes. One or more of the first group of tubes is positively buoyant, and at least one of the second group of tubes is negatively buoyant. Adjacent tubes are joined together by hinges. Acoustic sensors are positioned within the tubes. First and second half-shells are connected to the most distal tube of each group. The first half-shell is positively buoyant, and the second half-shell is negatively buoyant. An actuator attached to said center tube, and fins are attached to the actuator. The actuator is adjustable to change the fins angle of attack. Environmental fluid flow over the fins induces a torque on the actuator and center tube and causes these components to rotate. Rotation of the center tube causes the first and second groups of tubes to wrap around the center tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.