Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Sonar counter-measures
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-04-24
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Sonar counter-measures
Reexamination Certificate
active
06222794
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to noise generators. In particular, this invention relates to underwater noise generators actuated from a remote location by acoustic signals or magneto-inductive signals propagated at extremely low to very low frequencies to produce bubbles that create acoustic noise that may conceal movements or deceive listeners.
Currently, electromechanical pingers, sacrificial vehicles, and remotely controlled vehicles are used to create noise in a given area. Some systems use explosive charges to create underwater acoustic noise. These devices for producing noise, however, are difficult to inconspicuously emplace at one time and reliably actuate later by remote means when the tactical situation is more favorable.
Previously, acoustic command signals have been used to control a variety of instrumentation and ordnance packages. However, acoustic command signals have limited applications since sound cannot effectively be communicated through the air to receivers in the water. In addition, reliable communication with acoustic devices is affected by sediment, microorganisms, algae, changes in salinity, thermoclines, and multi paths in the water. Acoustic devices may also be unreliable at detecting acoustic command signals in the water in the presence of ambient noise that may come from ships, mammals, munitions, landing craft, sonar, and crashing surf. Acoustic devices are known to be incapable of reliable performance in the littoral regions associated with amphibious assault, particularly in the surf zone and noisy harbors.
A further limitation in the use of acoustic signals is that they are undesirable from a stealth perspective. If an acoustically responsive package is emplaced and an attempt is made to communicate with it using sonar from a friendly submarine, for example, the submarine's position may be given away and triangulated upon by others using passive acoustic detection in the area.
Thus, in accordance with this inventive concept, a need has been recognized in the state of the art for an underwater noise generator creating noise from bubbles in response to remotely originating acoustic or magneto-inductive signals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to providing an underwater noise generator having a chamber containing a composition to react with water to produce gas. A lid closes the chamber, and a receiver section in the chamber is connected to an explosive squib. The receiver section is responsive to signals from a remote source to detonate the squib and blow the lid away. This allows water to flood the chamber and onto the composition to produce the gas and make bubbles that create noise.
An object of the invention is to provide an underwater sound generator using a composition to produce bubbles when it reacts with seawater to create noise.
Another object of the invention is to provide an underwater sound generator responsive to actuation by remotely originating command signals.
Another object of the invention is to provide a noise source pre-emplaced for later actuation by remote signals.
Another object of the invention is to provide underwater noise generators actuated singularly, in multiples, in various patterns, or all at once as tactics warrant.
Another object is to provide an underwater noise generator using inexpensive calcium carbonate instead of more complicated, less reliable electromechanical systems.
An object of the invention is to provide an underwater noise source reliably activated by magneto—inductive signals.
Another object of the invention is to provide a noise source actuated by acoustic signals or magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range from remote locations.
These and other objects of the invention will become more readily apparent from the ensuing specification when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3841219 (1974-10-01), Schillreff
patent: 4183008 (1980-01-01), Crist
patent: 4189026 (1980-02-01), Elliot et al.
patent: 4207626 (1980-06-01), Wedding et al.
patent: 4307665 (1981-12-01), Block et al.
patent: 5721711 (1998-02-01), Fine et al.
Garcia Felipe
Woodall Robert
Gilbert Harvey A.
Lobo Ian J.
Peck Donald G.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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