Research/Patents/US 5140560
US 5140560Tier 3 — General Defense

PRESSURE COMPENSATED TRANSDUCER SYSTEM WITH CONSTRAINED DIAPHRAGM

Assignee

US Government

Filed as: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

Filed

Jul 29, 1988

Granted

Aug 18, 1992

Location

San Diego CA (SAIC/General Dynamics)

Abstract

An acoustic source apparatus has a acoustic transducer that is enclosed in substantially rigid and watertight enclosure to resist the pressure of water on the transducer and to seal the transducer from the water. The enclosure has an opening through which acoustic signals pass and over which is placed a resilient, expandable and substantially water-impermeable diaphragm. A net stiffens and strengthens the diaphragm as-well-as constrains the diaphragm from overexpansion or from migrating due to buoyancy forces. Pressurized gas, regulated at slightly above ambient pressure, is supplied to the enclosure and the diaphragm to compensate for underwater ambient pressures. Gas pressure regulated at above ambient pressure is used to selectively tune the pressure levels within the enclosure and diaphragm so that diaphragm resonance can be achieved. Controls are used to selectively fill, as-well-as vent the enclosure and diaphragm during system descent and ascent, respectively. A signal link is used to activate these controls and to provide the driving force for the acoustic transducer.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Imposed

Mar 6, 1989

Rescinded

Nov 6, 1991

Duration

2 years, 8 months

Inventor

  • 1JOSEPH L. PERCY

Sensitive facility: San Diego CA (SAIC/General Dynamics)

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Back to patent indexSource: USPTO 35 USC §181 secrecy order records