US3563335A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tuned mechanical stabilizer
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1969-03-17
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Granted: 1971-02-16
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Expires: 1989-03-17
Abstract
Abstract There is herein disclosed a tuned mechanical stabilizer for suspension of transducers from ships. The transducer is affixed to one end of a shaft, the other end of which is provided with a fixed counterweight and an adjustable tuning weight whereby the natural period of the transducer-stabilizer assembly may be tuned such as to substantially exceed the roll-pitch period of the vessel and thereby isolate the transducer from vessel pitch and roll.
Inventors
- 👤 John F Holmes
- 👤 Lawrence C Frederick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 14:36
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B39/00; B63B39/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
Apparatus for isolating a transducer from rotational oscillations comprising: a counterweight; a rigid member coupling said transducer to said counterweight; means for supporting said coupling member such that it is free to rotate about a preselected center of rotation; and a tuning weight disposed at a preselected position on said coupling member such as to tune said apparatus to a preselected period of oscillation greater than that of oscillations from which said transducer is to be isolated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
Apparatus for isolating a transducer from rotational oscillations comprising: a counterweight; a rigid member coupling said transducer to said counterweight; means for supporting said coupling member such that it is free to rotate about a preselected center of rotation; and a tuning weight disposed at a preselected position on said coupling member such as to tune said apparatus to a preselected period of oscillation greater than that of oscillations from which said transducer is to be isolated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein: said tuning weight is adjustably disposed on said coupling member such that said natural period of oscillation may be adjusted according to the relationship where: T is the natural period of oscillation of said apparatus; I is the moment of inertia of said apparatus about said center of rotation; W3 is the weight of said tuning weight; and L3 is the distance between the center of mass of said tuning weight and said center of rotation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein: said supporting means comprises a gimbal assembly having orthogonal axes of rotation which pass through said center of rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein: said transducer is rotatably coupled to said coupling member; and further including means for rotating said transducer about said coupling member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein: said rotating means comprises azimuth and zenith control motors disposed in said counterweight and coupled to said transducer through said coupling member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
Apparatus for suspending an acoustic transducer from a floating vessel comprising: a counterweight; a rigid member coupling said transducer to said counterweight and disposed through the hull of said vessel; means for supporting said coupling member from said vessel such that it is free to rotate within angular limits about a preselected center of rotation; and a tuning weight disposed at a preselected position on said coupling member such as to tune said apparatus to a preselected period of oscillation greater than the natural pitch and roll period of said vessel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
Apparatus for suspending an acoustic transducer from a floating vessel comprising: a counterweight; a rigid member coupling said transducer to said counterweight and disposed through the hull of said vessel; means for supporting said coupling member from said vessel such that it is free to rotate within angular limits about a preselected center of rotation; and a tuning weight disposed at a preselected position on said coupling member such as to tune said apparatus to a preselected period of oscillation greater than the natural pitch and roll period of said vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein: said supporting means comprises a gimbal assembly having orthogonal axes of rotation which pass through said center of rotation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein: said center of rotation is disposed in the plane at which said coupling member passes through said hull of said vessel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6 further including: acoustically transmissive protective means affixed to said hull wherein said acoustic transducer is free to move within said angular limits.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein: said protective means comprises an acoustically transmissive dome filled with an acoustically transmissive medium having a specific viscosity of no greater than water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2407697A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-15 | 1974-08-17 | 1975-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-15 | 1978-08-17 | 1979-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-15 | 1982-08-17 | 1983-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |