USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Edward C O'Keefe

John F Scarzello

John J Holmes

Robert Andrew Wingo

A plurality of sensing modules are deployed by positioning thereof in spaced relation to each other on a seafloor surface at a shallow depth to establish a targeted seawater zone within which certain conditions are detected, such as those produced by the presence of a sea vessel such as a submarine within the targeted zone. Data signals are generated within the deployed sensing modules in response to said detection of the submarine for radio frequency transmission above the seawater targeted zone from floating transmitters ejected from the sensing modules positioned on the seafloor surface after detection of the submarine.

Underwater surveillance system

An elongated optical fiber is vertically positioned within seawater in a deep-depth targeted zone by vertical suspension thereof from a floating buoy. Electrode sensor arrays are positioned in vertically spaced relation to each other on the optical fiber for generating warning signals in response to detection of hostile conditions. The warning signals are converted into signal data collected and transferred to a transmitter in the floating buoy from which the sensor arrays are suspended within the targeted zone positioned on the optical fiber. Such collected data signals are transmitted through an antenna within the floating buoy to locations above the seawater surface for surveillance purposes.

Deep water surveillance system

A magnetic field sensor, for sensing the transverse component of the magnetic field intensity H, is based on fluxgate magnetometric principles and includes an &ldquo;E&rdquo;-shaped magnetic core. A drive winding is wound about the medial leg of the &ldquo;E&rdquo; shape. A sense winding is wound about the base of the &ldquo;E&rdquo; shape at the two locations between the medial leg and the extreme legs. A calibration winding is wound about each leg. Another magnetic field sensor, for sensing the normal component of the magnetic induction B, is also based on fluxgate magnetometric principles and includes a magnetic core having a sort of coaxial double cylindrical configuration wherein a basket-shaped cylinder encloses a smaller, solid cylinder. A drive winding, then a sense winding, then a calibration winding are wound over the solid cylinder. During operative placement of either inventive sensor in appropriate relation to a ferromagnetic surface, a closed magnetic flux path is manifested through the sensor and the ferromagnetic material; in effect, the ferromagnetic material is made a part of the sensor's transducer core.

Fluxgate magnetic field sensor incorporating ferromagnetic test material into its magnetic circuitry

A magnetic field sensor based on fluxgate magnetometric principles includes a magnetic core having a highly elongated oblong configuration and accordingly defining a closed magnetic flux path. The core includes flexible amorphous magnetic material. A drive winding is wound about each of two linear sections of the core. The two drive winding-wound linear core sections are closely coupled in parallel adjacent disposition. A sense winding is wound about the drive winding-wound core, thereby forming a narrow unitary strip-like sensor construction which, depending on the embodiment, can be practically any length. Typically, a very long sensor is situated huggingly or abuttingly with respect to a great expanse of a ferromagnetic material surface. The sensor is capable of generating a detectable signal which is representative of the &ldquo;integration&rdquo; of magnetic field components over the length of the core. The invention's integrative function minimizes measurement skewing or distortion attributable to anomalous characteristics of the ferromagnetic material being sensed. The invention's &ldquo;integrative&rdquo; sensor admits of systematic association with any number and diverse kinds of &ldquo;point&rdquo; sensors, in furtherance of more complete data acquisition.

Spatially integrating fluxgate manetometer having a flexible magnetic core

A magnetic field sensor based on fluxgate magnetometric principles includes a magnetic core having an elongated oblong configuration and accordingly defining a closed magnetic flux path. The core includes a rigid bobbin which defines the core's shape, and about which amorphous magnetic material is wrapped. A drive winding is wound about each of the two parallel linear sections of the core. A sense winding is wound about another rigid bobbin which surrounds the drive winding-wound core. Typically, a feedback winding is wound about another rigid bobbin which surrounds the sense winding. When, for sensing purposes, the driven sensor is situated near and parallel to a ferromagnetic material surface, the sensor is capable of generating a detectable signal which is representative of the &ldquo;integration&rdquo; of magnetic field components over the length of the core. The invention's integrative function minimizes measurement skewing or distortion attributable to anomalous characteristics of the ferromagnetic material being sensed.

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Columbia, MD, United States of America

Edward C O'Keefe