Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Signal transducers – Underwater type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-14
2001-10-16
Pihulic, Daniel T. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Signal transducers
Underwater type
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304516
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for Governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to underwater transducers, and more particularly to a transducer shell assembly, and a transducer using the shell assembly for bimodal operation at two distinct frequencies.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
A variety of mobile underwater transducer devices are used by the Navy. Some are used to simulate sonar characteristics of submarines for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, while others are deployed as sonar and torpedo countermeasures. In performing their various functions, these devices use underwater transducers to transmit and/or receive acoustic signals. Different types of transducers are used depending on the required frequency of operation. For example, split-ring transducers are used for low frequency operation below approximately 1 KHz. For higher frequency operation of approximately 2.5 KHz or higher, solid-ring (ceramic) transducers are used in order to support a breathing mode (i.e., radial expansion and contraction) of operation. Devices that give the user the option of high or low frequency operation are generally preferred. However, because of the vastly different construction of these two types of transducers, two separate transducer assemblies are used to support the different operation frequencies. This increases the overall weight and cost of underwater devices that utilize transducers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an underwater transducer that can operate at either high or low frequencies.
Another object of the present invention to provide a bimodal transducer that is easily configured for either low frequency operation on the order of approximately 1 KHz or less or higher frequency operation on the order of approximately 2.5 KHz or higher.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious hereinafter in the specification and drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, a transducer shell assembly, and a bimodal transducer using the shell assembly are provided. The transducer shell assembly has a hollow split tube with a gap that extends along the tube's length to define first and second opposing edges. A locking mechanism is coupled to the tube for selectively locking the first and second opposing edges in a fixed relationship such that the gap is fixed. In terms of the bimodal transducer, an electromechanical driver is coupled to an inside surface of the tube. A first frequency of operation is defined when the first and second opposing edges are not in the fixed relationship. A second frequency of operation is defined when the first and second opposing edges are in the fixed relationship.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5268879 (1993-12-01), Flanagan
Lall Prithvi C.
McGowan Michael C.
Oglo Michael F.
Pihulic Daniel T.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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