US4236235A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Integrating hydrophone sensing elements
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1978-08-24
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Granted: 1980-11-25
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Expires: 1998-08-24
Abstract
Abstract An integrating hydrophone sensing element is provided having improved sensitivity and capability of withstanding high pressures. The sensing element consists of a rigid cylinder with semicylindrical sensing surfaces rigidly connected to the cylinder at diametrically-opposite points. A membrane of piezoelectric polymer material extends diametrically across the cylinder and is attached to the cylinder at points displaced 90° from the connections of the sensing surfaces. Vibration of the cylinder by acoustic signals transmitted from the sensing surfaces causes vibration of the membrane and produces an electrical output signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel E. Gilbert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:17
CPC Classifications
B; B06; B06B; B06B1/00; B06B1/02; B06B1/06; B06B1/0688; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S310/00; Y10S310/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A hydrophone sensing element comprising a rigid cylinder, two rigid sensing surfaces disposed on opposite external sides of said cylinder and mechanically connected thereto essentially at two diametrically opposite points, and a piezoelectric polymer membrane extending diametrically across the cylinder and attached to the interior of the cylinder at two points displaced 90° from said first-mentioned points to tension the membrane with energy applied through the cylinder from the sensing surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A hydrophone sensing element comprising a rigid cylinder, two rigid sensing surfaces disposed on opposite external sides of said cylinder and mechanically connected thereto essentially at two diametrically opposite points, and a piezoelectric polymer membrane extending diametrically across the cylinder and attached to the interior of the cylinder at two points displaced 90° from said first-mentioned points to tension the membrane with energy applied through the cylinder from the sensing surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A hydrophone sensng element as defined in claim 1 in which said sensing surfaces are rigid, semicylindrical elements mechanically connected to the cylinder at their centers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A hydrophone sensing element as defined in claim 2 and including a water-impermeable covering over said sensing surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A hydrophone sensing element as defined in claim 2 in which said polymer membrane extends axially for the full length of the cylinder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A hydrophone sensing element as defined in claim 2 including electrical contact means on opposite sides of said polymer membrane.
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) | 1983-11-25 | 1984-05-26 | 1984-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-11-25 | 1988-05-26 | 1988-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-11-25 | 1992-05-26 | 1992-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |