Bellows caging mechanism for airborne hydrophone
US4013990A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1975 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB06B1/06
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An airborne sonar system includes a transducer with both projecting elements and receiving elements designed for echo ranging at a moderately high frequency. Carried on the transducer housing is an additional hydrophone which is sensitive to sonar input signals at low frequency and, hence, which has a capability of responding to signals from much longer range than can the receiving elements of the echo ranging transducer. This low frequency hydrophone is sensitive to the frequency of much of the noise and vibration imparted to the transducer housing by the supporting aircraft and so, in operation, the hydrophone is suspended on a very compliant mounting consisting of a plurality of strips of light rubber tubing. To avoid damaging the hydrophone or the mounting structure, a water pressure responsive bellows is positioned adjacent to the hydrophone so that when the combined assembly is carried in air or being deployed or retrieved from the water, the bellows is expanded and serves to cage or secure the hydrophone by pressing it against part of the transducer structure. When the transducer is deployed at the desired depth in the water, the bellows is collapsed, freeing the hydrophone …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.