Open loop minesweeping system
US6286431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G7/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An open loop magnetic field minesweeping system, with a small and light weight body to be towed through seawater by a helicopter or other vehicle, hydrodynamic control surfaces on the body, a single sweep cable extending a substantial distance from the body with a first electrode in cable, sleeve or sock form attached to the end of the sweep cable, and a second electrode provided on the body as part of its skin. A rectifier and transformer on the body convert AC power fed to the towed body from the towing vehicle, to DC power applied to the first electrode. The rectifier and transformer are encapsulated by a thin waterproof layer and directly exposed to the sea water for cooling through the layer. The body may have a winch to deploy and retrieve the first electrode. Acoustic transducers may be mounted on or within the body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.