US3750096A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustical underwater control apparatus
Assignee: Global Marine Inc
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Filing: 1969-07-25
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Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1989-07-25
Abstract
Abstract An acoustical control apparatus for controlling the operation of underwater valve equipment from the surface by coded acoustical signals and monitoring the status of the equipment by acoustical signals. A radioisotope thermoelectric generator positioned underwater continuously charging a battery which powers a pump for maintaining hydraulic pressure in an accumulator for actuating an underwater valve, all of which is controlled and monitored about the water surface by the use of coded acoustical signals.
Inventors
- 👤 P Koomey
- 👤 G Stivers
- 👤 T Barker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:00
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
An acoustical control system for control of an underwater valve mounted from the water floor from the water surface without physical connection to said surface comprising: electrical control means positioned underwater for opening and closing said valve; a source of electrical power positioned underwater adjacent said electrical control means and connected thereto; an acoustical underwater receiver connected to and actuating said electrical control means; an acoustical transmitter and control means located in the vicinity of said water surface including a sound transducer positioned in the water for transmitting valve controlling signals to said underwater receiver; electrical position indicating means connected to and actuated by said underwater valve in the open and close positions for providing a signal indicating the position of said valve; underwater acoustical transmitting means connected to said position indicating means providing an acoustical signal for transmitting position signals of said valve; and acoustical receiving means located in the vicinity of said water surface including a sound transducer positioned in said water for receiving said position signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
An acoustical control system for control of an underwater valve mounted from the water floor from the water surface without physical connection to said surface comprising: electrical control means positioned underwater for opening and closing said valve; a source of electrical power positioned underwater adjacent said electrical control means and connected thereto; an acoustical underwater receiver connected to and actuating said electrical control means; an acoustical transmitter and control means located in the vicinity of said water surface including a sound transducer positioned in the water for transmitting valve controlling signals to said underwater receiver; electrical position indicating means connected to and actuated by said underwater valve in the open and close positions for providing a signal indicating the position of said valve; underwater acoustical transmitting means connected to said position indicating means providing an acoustical signal for transmitting position signals of said valve; and acoustical receiving means located in the vicinity of said water surface including a sound transducer positioned in said water for receiving said position signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
168 words
An acoustical control system for controlling an underwater valve disposed adjacent the water floor by a control unit at the water surface without physical connection between said underwater valve and said control unit comprising: electrical control means positioned underwater for selectively opening and closing said underwater valve; a source of electrical power connected to said electrical control means; first acoustical receiver means disposed underwater and connected to said electrical control means; first acoustical transmitter means located in the vicinity of said water surface for transmitting valve controlling signals to said first acoustical receiver; electrical position indicating means connected to and actuated by said underwater valve in the open and closed positions for providing a signal indicating the position of said valve; second acoustical transmitter means disposed underwater and connected to said position indicating means for transmitting signals indicative of the position of said valve; and second acoustical receiver means located in the vicinity of said water surface for receiving said signals indicative of the position of said valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
168 words
An acoustical control system for controlling an underwater valve disposed adjacent the water floor by a control unit at the water surface without physical connection between said underwater valve and said control unit comprising: electrical control means positioned underwater for selectively opening and closing said underwater valve; a source of electrical power connected to said electrical control means; first acoustical receiver means disposed underwater and connected to said electrical control means; first acoustical transmitter means located in the vicinity of said water surface for transmitting valve controlling signals to said first acoustical receiver; electrical position indicating means connected to and actuated by said underwater valve in the open and closed positions for providing a signal indicating the position of said valve; second acoustical transmitter means disposed underwater and connected to said position indicating means for transmitting signals indicative of the position of said valve; and second acoustical receiver means located in the vicinity of said water surface for receiving said signals indicative of the position of said valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The acoustical control system recited in claim 2 wherein said electrical position indicating means includes limit switches mounted on said underwater valve, and means connecting said limit switches to said second acoustical transmitter means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The acoustical control system recited in claim 2 wherein said source of electrical power comprises battery means disposed adjacent said electrical control means, and said electrical control means includes solenoid means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
164 words
A system for remote operation of underwater valve means comprising: valve means located beneath the surface of a body of water and operable upon application of energy from an external source; an external source of energy including a battery located adjacent said valve means; means located in the vicinity of said water surface for transmitting a wireless control signal through said water; means located adjacent said valve means for receiving said control signal and for connecting said source of energy to said valve means upon receipt of said control signal; electrical position indicating means connected to and actuated by said underwater valve in the open and closed positions for providing a signal indicating the position of said valve means; means located adjacent said valve means and connected to said electrical position indicating means for transmitting wireless status signals through said water indicative of the operative status of said valve; and means located in the vicinity of said water surface for receiving said status signals.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
164 words
A system for remote operation of underwater valve means comprising: valve means located beneath the surface of a body of water and operable upon application of energy from an external source; an external source of energy including a battery located adjacent said valve means; means located in the vicinity of said water surface for transmitting a wireless control signal through said water; means located adjacent said valve means for receiving said control signal and for connecting said source of energy to said valve means upon receipt of said control signal; electrical position indicating means connected to and actuated by said underwater valve in the open and closed positions for providing a signal indicating the position of said valve means; means located adjacent said valve means and connected to said electrical position indicating means for transmitting wireless status signals through said water indicative of the operative status of said valve; and means located in the vicinity of said water surface for receiving said status signals.
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) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |