US3786403A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater acoustical detection system
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1968-05-10
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1988-05-10
Abstract
Abstract An air-launched multiple deployment depth sonobuoy having mechanical apparatus and electrical circuitry for intermittently lowering the sonobuoy to a plurality of predetermined depths. The mechanical apparatus includes a cable wrapped around a free wheeling roller which may be braked by a motor-driven, springloaded clutch while a second roller urges the cable against the free wheeling roller by means of a second spring-loaded clutch driven by the motor of the first clutch. The electrical circuitry includes a plurality of switch banks responsive to rotation of a motor shaft, a plurality of hydrostatic pressure responsive switches, a plurality of limit switches, and a plurality of relays. Time delay circuits including electrically energizable explosive squibs are also included to provide appropriate separation functions.
Inventors
- 👤 A Will
- 👤 S Wolf
- 👤 W Barnum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:10
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/004; G10K11/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
In an underwater acoustical detection system, the combination comprising: a multiple deployment depth sonobuoy having a submerged portion, and means operatively coupled to said sonobuoy for sequentially suspending said submerged portion of said sonobuoy at a plurality of predetermined discrete ocean depths.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
In an underwater acoustical detection system, the combination comprising: a multiple deployment depth sonobuoy having a submerged portion, and means operatively coupled to said sonobuoy for sequentially suspending said submerged portion of said sonobuoy at a plurality of predetermined discrete ocean depths.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said suspending means comprises: a cable having one end thereof capable of being secured to a floating body, and means secured to the other end of said cable and to said submerged portion of said sonobuoy for selectively paying out a predetermined discrete length of said cable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said means for paying out said cable comprises: a free-wheeling roller about which said cable is wound, and means for preventing rotation of said free-wheeling roller.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said means for preventing rotation of said free-wheeling roller comprises means for gradually preventing rotation of said free-wheeling roller.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said means for preventing rotation of said free-wheeling roller comprises a spring-loaded clutch engageable with said free-wheeling roller.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein said means for preventing rotation of said free-wheeling roller further comprises a reversible D.C. motor by which said spring-loaded clutch is driven.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said means for paying out said cable further comprises spring-loaded idler roller means for selectively urging said cable against said free-wheeling roller.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 7 wherein said means for paying out said cable further comprises means for actuating said idler roller means in response to the prevention of rotation of said free-wheeling roller.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein said means for selectively paying out a predetermined discrete length of said cable further comprises electrical circuit means for selectively applying a voltage to said D.C. motor intermittently and alternately in opposite polarity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 9 wherein said electrical circuit means comprises: a power source, and a plurality of parallel hydrostatic pressure responsive switches serially connected between said power source and said D.C. motor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |