US3794128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Subterranean penetrator steering system utilizing fixed and rotatable fins
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1972-11-29
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Granted: 1974-02-26
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Expires: 1992-11-29
Abstract
Abstract A steering system for a subterranean penetrator includes a fixed fin and a rotatable fin. The fixed fin is advantageously attached to the exterior rear portion of the penetrator at an angle of approximately 25* with the penetrator''s longitudinal axis. The rotatable fin is located diametrically opposite to the fixed fin, the axis of rotation thereof being perpendicular to and intersecting the penetrator''s longitudinal axis. An associated actuating mechanism located within the penetrator adjustably orients the position of the rotatable fin. Rotation of the penetrator about its longitudinal axis is effected when the rotatable fin is antiparallel to the fixed fin or to a lesser degree when the rotatable fin is substantially parallel to the penetrator''s long axis. Curvilinear penetrator motion along the desired steering plane is effected when the rotatable fin is parallel to the fixed fin, the axis of rotation of the rotatable fin being perpendicular to this plane. In one embodiment of this invention, the rear portion of the penetrator which houses the fins is inwardly tapered at approximately 4* to allow use of substantially smaller fins and/or produce higher steering rates for a given length penetrator. It is an advantage of this invention that it does not require the articulatable tail and its associated actuating mechanism of prior art subterranean penetrators.
Inventors
- 👤 P Gagen
- 👤 C Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:33
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/04; E21B7/06; E21B7/068; E21B7/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A system for controlling the motion of a subterranean penetrator along a soil medium, said penetrator having a cylindrical housing and said system comprising: a first fin fixedly attached to the exterior of said housing, said first fin making a first positive angle with the longitudinal axis of said housing; a second fin located diametrically opposite to said first fin and being rotatable relative to said housing, the axis of rotation of said second fin being perpendicular to and approximately intersecting said longitudinal axis; and actuating means located within said housing for rotatably orienting the position of said second fin; curvilinear penetrator motion along the plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second fin being effected when said second fin is parallel to said first fin; and forward penetrator motion being effected when said second fin makes a negative angle with said longitudinal axis, superimposed penetrator rotation about said longitudinal axis occurring simultaneously therewith.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
A system for controlling the motion of a subterranean penetrator along a soil medium, said penetrator having a cylindrical housing and said system comprising: a first fin fixedly attached to the exterior of said housing, said first fin making a first positive angle with the longitudinal axis of said housing; a second fin located diametrically opposite to said first fin and being rotatable relative to said housing, the axis of rotation of said second fin being perpendicular to and approximately intersecting said longitudinal axis; and actuating means located within said housing for rotatably orienting the position of said second fin; curvilinear penetrator motion along the plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second fin being effected when said second fin is parallel to said first fin; and forward penetrator motion being effected when said second fin makes a negative angle with said longitudinal axis, superimposed penetrator rotation about said longitudinal axis occurring simultaneously therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first positive angle is approximately 25* .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first positive angle has a maximum value equal to the slip angle of said soil medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 wherein forward penetrator motion is effected when said second fin makes a negative angle with said longitudinal axis equal in magnitude to said first positive angle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said second fin is idle, said second fin assuming a small negative angle relative to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second fins are located at the rear end of said penetrator housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said rear end of the penetrator housing is inwardly tapered at a second positive angle which is substantially less than said first positive angle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said second positive angle is approximately 4* .
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said fins are located towards the rear of said tapered rear end.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
194 words
A system for controlling the motion of a subterranean penetrator along a soil medium, said penetrator having a cylindriCal housing and said system comprising: a first fin fixedly attached to the exterior rear portion of said housing, said fin making a first positive angle of approximately 25* with the longitudinal axis of said housing; a second fin located diametrically opposite to said first fin and being rotatable relative to said housing, the axis of rotation of said second fin being perpendicular to and approximately intersecting said longitudinal axis, the rear portion of said housing including said first and second fins being tapered at a second positive angle of approximately 4*; and actuating means located within said tapered rear portion for rotatably orienting the position of said second fin, curvilinear penetrator motion along the plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second fin being effected when said second fin is parallel to said first fin; and forward penetrator motion being effected when said second fin makes a negative angle with said longitudinal axis equal in magnitude to said first positive angle, uniform penetrator rotation about said longitudinal axis occurring simultaneously therewith.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
194 words
A system for controlling the motion of a subterranean penetrator along a soil medium, said penetrator having a cylindriCal housing and said system comprising: a first fin fixedly attached to the exterior rear portion of said housing, said fin making a first positive angle of approximately 25* with the longitudinal axis of said housing; a second fin located diametrically opposite to said first fin and being rotatable relative to said housing, the axis of rotation of said second fin being perpendicular to and approximately intersecting said longitudinal axis, the rear portion of said housing including said first and second fins being tapered at a second positive angle of approximately 4*; and actuating means located within said tapered rear portion for rotatably orienting the position of said second fin, curvilinear penetrator motion along the plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second fin being effected when said second fin is parallel to said first fin; and forward penetrator motion being effected when said second fin makes a negative angle with said longitudinal axis equal in magnitude to said first positive angle, uniform penetrator rotation about said longitudinal axis occurring simultaneously therewith.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
193 words
A system for controlling the motion of a subterranean penetrator along a soil medium, said penetrator having a cylindrical housing and said system comprising: a first fin fixedly attached to the exterior of said housing, said first fin including an upper surface and a lower surface and making a first positive angle with the longitudinal axis of said housing; a second fin located diametrically opposite to said first fin and being rotatable relative to said housing, said second fin including an upper surface and a lower surface, the axis of rotation of said second fin being perpendicular to and approximately intersecting said longitudinal axis; and actuating means located within said housing for rotatably orienting the position of said second fin; curvilinear penetrator motion along the plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second fin being effected when the lower surfaces of said fins make contact with the oncoming soil; and forward penetrator motion being effected when the lower surface of said first fin and at least the upper surface of said second fin make contact with the oncoming soil, superimposed penetrator rotation about said longitudinal axis occurring simultaneously therewith.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
193 words
A system for controlling the motion of a subterranean penetrator along a soil medium, said penetrator having a cylindrical housing and said system comprising: a first fin fixedly attached to the exterior of said housing, said first fin including an upper surface and a lower surface and making a first positive angle with the longitudinal axis of said housing; a second fin located diametrically opposite to said first fin and being rotatable relative to said housing, said second fin including an upper surface and a lower surface, the axis of rotation of said second fin being perpendicular to and approximately intersecting said longitudinal axis; and actuating means located within said housing for rotatably orienting the position of said second fin; curvilinear penetrator motion along the plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second fin being effected when the lower surfaces of said fins make contact with the oncoming soil; and forward penetrator motion being effected when the lower surface of said first fin and at least the upper surface of said second fin make contact with the oncoming soil, superimposed penetrator rotation about said longitudinal axis occurring simultaneously therewith.
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) | 1977-02-25 | 1977-08-27 | 1978-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-25 | 1981-08-27 | 1982-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-25 | 1985-08-27 | 1986-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |