US4230059A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Noise abating sleeve
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1979-02-26
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Granted: 1980-10-28
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Expires: 1999-02-26
Abstract
Abstract In an acoustic homing torpedo having a transducer section mounted forward the nose shell, an elastomeric, acoustically transparent sleeve is installed over the torpedo nose section and extends aft of the discontinuity at the transducer/nose section interface, thereby reducing the torpedo self-noise generated by cavitation occurring at the discontinuity.
Inventors
- 👤 George P. Kalaf
- 👤 Irvin C. Henschen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 02:05
CPC Classifications
F; F42; F42B; F42B19/00; F42B19/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
In a torpedo having a nose section formed of an acoustic transducer section affixed to the forward end of a torpedo nose shell, a method for reducing the flow induced self-noise generated by said torpedo as it travels through the water comprising the steps of: fabricating an elastomeric, acoustically transparent sleeve conforming to the shape of said torpedo nose section, said sleeve having a trailing edge extending well aft of the interface between said transducer section and said nose shell; installing said sleeve over said torpedo nose section in such a manner that all voids and air bubbles are removed from between said sleeve and the surface of said torpedo; buffing the surface of said sleeve to obtain the desired level of smoothness; and tapering the trailing edge of said sleeve so as to minimize turbulance at the interface between said trailing edge and the surface of said torpedo.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a torpedo having a nose section formed of an acoustic transducer section affixed to the forward end of a torpedo nose shell, a method for reducing the flow induced self-noise generated by said torpedo as it travels through the water comprising the steps of: fabricating an elastomeric, acoustically transparent sleeve conforming to the shape of said torpedo nose section, said sleeve having a trailing edge extending well aft of the interface between said transducer section and said nose shell; installing said sleeve over said torpedo nose section in such a manner that all voids and air bubbles are removed from between said sleeve and the surface of said torpedo; buffing the surface of said sleeve to obtain the desired level of smoothness; and tapering the trailing edge of said sleeve so as to minimize turbulance at the interface between said trailing edge and the surface of said torpedo.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, further including the step of: fabricating said sleeve up to approximately 5% undersize so that said sleeve is stretched during installation onto said torpedo nose section.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
38 words
The method of claims 1 or 2, further including the step of: applying an easily strippable adhesive between said sleeve and said torpedo nose section during installation of said sleeve, thereby firmly bonding said sleeve to said torpedo.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
126 words
In a torpedo having a nose section formed of an acoustic transducer section affixed to the forward end of a torpedo nose shell, a noise abating device for reducing torpedo self-noise comprising: an elongated sleeve having a closed forward end and an open aft end and conforming to the shape of said torpedo nose section, said sleeve being installed thereon; said sleeve further being formed of an elastomeric, acoustically transparent materials having a smooth outer surface, said sleeve having a sufficient length so that said open end extends well aft of the interface between said transducer section and said nose shell when said sleeve is installed over said torpedo nose section; said sleeve further having a tapered trailing edge about the circumference of said aft end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
126 words
In a torpedo having a nose section formed of an acoustic transducer section affixed to the forward end of a torpedo nose shell, a noise abating device for reducing torpedo self-noise comprising: an elongated sleeve having a closed forward end and an open aft end and conforming to the shape of said torpedo nose section, said sleeve being installed thereon; said sleeve further being formed of an elastomeric, acoustically transparent materials having a smooth outer surface, said sleeve having a sufficient length so that said open end extends well aft of the interface between said transducer section and said nose shell when said sleeve is installed over said torpedo nose section; said sleeve further having a tapered trailing edge about the circumference of said aft end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The noise abating device of claim 4, wherein said elastomeric, acoustically transparent material is polyurethane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The noise abating device of claim 4, wherein said sleeve is formed up to approximately 5% undersize, whereby said sleeve is stretched over said torpedo nose section during installation thereon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The noise abating device of claim 4, wherein said sleeve has an easily strippable adhesive applied thereto prior to the installation of said sleeve over said torpedo nose section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The noise abating device of claim 4, where said sleeve has a nominal thickness of less than approximately 0.040 inch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-28 | 1984-04-28 | 1984-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-28 | 1988-04-28 | 1988-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-28 | 1992-04-28 | 1992-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |