Patent US3565028A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3565028A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steerable self-propelled submersible
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1968-07-17
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Granted: 1971-02-23
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Expires: 1988-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A torpedo, which can be launched conventionally from a torpedo tube trails a hydrophone on a long cable. A shroud encircling the propellers is articulated on a ball and socket joint to steer the torpedo, and to serve as a reel for carrying the long cable until after launching. Holddown fingers which keep the coiled cable in place, are scuttled a measured time after launch.
Inventors
- 👤 Dorothy B Hancks
- 👤 Stephen F Moran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:06
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/30; F41G7/301; F41G7/306; F42; F42B; F42B19/00; F42B19/01; F41G7/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A steerable self-propelled submersible comprising: an elongated tubular streamlined hull with a generally conicalshaped stern and with a coaxial propeller shaft; a propeller on the stern end of said shaft; a tubular protective shroud generally coaxial with said hull and enclosing said propeller; a transducer cable coiled on said shroud; a plurality of stabilizing fins disposed about and detachably secured to the stern of said hull; holddown fingers attached to said fins and overlying said coil to hold the turns of said cable in place on the shroud; and means responsive to a predetermined signal for scuttling said fins and fingers to release said cable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A steerable self-propelled submersible comprising: an elongated tubular streamlined hull with a generally conicalshaped stern and with a coaxial propeller shaft; a propeller on the stern end of said shaft; a tubular protective shroud generally coaxial with said hull and enclosing said propeller; a transducer cable coiled on said shroud; a plurality of stabilizing fins disposed about and detachably secured to the stern of said hull; holddown fingers attached to said fins and overlying said coil to hold the turns of said cable in place on the shroud; and means responsive to a predetermined signal for scuttling said fins and fingers to release said cable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The submersible defined in claim 1 further comprising: an articular joint adjacent the stern of said hull; radial struts connecting said shroud to a movable element of said joint to articulate said shroud for steering said submersible.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The submersible defined in claim 1, further comprising complementary ball and socket members, one of said member being fixedly attached to the body of said submersible and the other member being freely movable and constituting the sole support for said shroud.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The steerable submersible defined in claim 1 further comprising a holding tube on one of said fins for receiving and retaining a transducer during launch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
In the steerable submersible defined in claim 1 said means for scuttling the fins comprising: two counterrotating tong plates with tong points for engaging recesses in each fin; tensioned spring means connected to said plates for biasing said tong points toward open releasing position; a wedge placed between cam surfaces on said tong plates for holding said tong points in fin-engaging position; and means for moving said wedge out of said holding position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
In the steerable submersible defined in claim 5, the mentioned wedge-moving means comprising: a push rod carrying said wedge; a spring for biasing said push rod and wedge into tong releasing position; a fusible wire holding said push rod against the push rod spring; and a circuit for applying sufficient electric power to said wire to destroy the wire.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-22 | 1974-08-24 | 1975-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-22 | 1978-08-24 | 1979-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-08-24 | 1983-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |