Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Signal transducers – Underwater type
Patent
1992-04-16
1994-10-04
Eldred, J. Woodrow
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Signal transducers
Underwater type
367165, 181140, 114270, 116 27, H04R 2300
Patent
active
053532635
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a mount for projecting an underwater signal transducer from the hull of a marine vessel and for retracting the transducer into the hull of the vessel.
BACKGROUND ART
The devices disclosed in the following patents are representative of prior attempts to provide an in-the-hull mount for an underwater signal transducers of a marine vessel: (Electroacustic GmbH). chest" from which the transducer is projected. To avoid damage by collision with the bottom or debris, the transducer can be retracted into the sea chest to a position above the bottom of the hull. In the devices of the patents listed above and in equivalent in-the-hull mounts currently available, when actuated to the projected position the transducer is held in such position rigidly or substantially rigidly, such as by a rack-and-pinion or spindle drive or a hydraulic jack. The transducer and its mounting structure are vulnerable to damage if excessive force is applied. In the device disclosed in the Gerhardsen patent, the transducer is mounted in a "cup member" which can be swung to a projected position by operation of a hydraulic jack and ". . . there is provided lock means 19 for the purpose of locking the cup member in the lowermost position . . . " (column 3, lines 10-12). As explained in the paragraph beginning at column 3, line 15, pressure supply to the device 15 if the pressure therein should fall below a certain value. Such supervision device may also be so arranged as to reduce the pressure in the device 15, to the effect that the cup member 12 may yield somewhat, in order to reduce the effects of blows against the cup, if the vessel is operating in a heavy sea." disclosed in that patent, the transducer assembly is held substantially rigidly in its projected position and is as vulnerable to damage by collision with the bottom or debris as the devices of the other patents listed above, particularly if struck from the rear or the side as could occur while the vessel is turning, drifting or operating in reverse.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a suspension system for a signal transducer utilizing a standard sea chest from which the transducer can be moved from a protected retracted position to an operative projected position, but with novel support structure and/or actuating mechanism for quickly and reliably retracting the transducer, preferably automatically before excessive force is applied to it. The transducer can be biased to its retracted position by springs. The force of the springs must be overcome by a pneumatic piston and cylinder combination to maintain the transducer in its projected position. The transducer assembly can be suspended from the end of the pneumatic piston. Pressure control valves can be provided so that if inward force applied to the transducer assembly increases so that pressure in the cylinder exceeds a predetermined pressure, a relief valve opens and the transducer assembly automatically retracts by the action of the springs. In addition, preferably mechanism is provided for sensing debris or an obstacle close to the boat hull adjacent to the sea chest. If debris or an obstacle is sensed, the control system for the assembly is actuated to cut off the supply of gas under pressure to the pneumatic piston and the transducer assembly will automatically retract into the sea chest.
The system in accordance with the present invention minimizes the possibility of damage to the transducer and its mounting structure if the vessel is operating in shallow water or in the area of debris or if excessive force is applied for any reason. Such system also is of simple design and inexpensive manufacture, yet durable and reliable for protecting the signal transducer over a long period of use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic side elevation of a soft sonar suspension system in accordance with the present invention with parts broken away;
FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic front elevation of such suspension system
REFERENCES:
patent: 1394482 (1921-10-01), Fessenden
patent: 2407240 (1946-09-01), Barber
patent: 2469594 (1949-05-01), Danforth
patent: 2813591 (1957-11-01), Smaltz et al.
patent: 2829360 (1958-04-01), Allyn
patent: 3426725 (1969-02-01), Gerhardsen
patent: 3740706 (1973-06-01), Joseph
patent: 4144518 (1979-03-01), Minohara et al.
patent: 4282590 (1981-08-01), Wingate
Feragen Dennis
Pakker Ulrich
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