Edo Corporation, Western Division

Edo Western Corp.

Gordon L Snow

Robert A Lapetina

David P Baird

A piezoelectric transducer assembly for producing sonar signals for transmission underwater and for detecting reflected sonar signals. The assembly includes a two-dimensional generally planar array of piezoelectric elements disposed in an elastomer casing. The elements are coupled by way of conductors to electronic circuitry which produces electrical signals for stressing the piezoelectric elements and which processes electrical signals produced by the piezoelectric element in response to reflected sonar signals. The piezoelectric elements are closely packed and are selected to have low cross-coupling characteristics. At least some of the elements are oriented so that their axes of polarization are generally perpendicular to the plane of the array.

Two-dimensional piezoelectric transducer assembly

A flexible line array transducer assembly for detecting underwater acoustical signals. The assembly includes an array of spaced-apart piezoelectric elements arranged generally in a line and selected to have low cross-coupling characteristics, low sensitivity to incoherent mechanical perturbations in the directions longitudinal and lateral to the axis of the array, and high sensitivity to coherent mechanical perturbations such as acoustical signals. The elements are polarized in a direction generally transverse to the array and each include opposing surface areas which are generally parallel with the linear axis of the array. Electrodes are disposed on the opposing surface areas of the elements and are coupled to conductors which carry signals produced by the piezoelectric elements when the elements are stressed by acoustical signals. A porous, open-cell material is disposed about the piezoelectric elements as an encasement to maintain the elements in place and mechanically isolate the elements. An outer, water-tight jacket encloses the open cell material and holds a fill fluid carried within the open-cell material. An electrically conductive flexible sleeve may be placed either about the open-cell material or about the outer jacket to shield the piezoelectric elements from electromagnetic waves.

Line array transducer assembly

A sonar transducer especially adapted for use when subjected to high hydrostatic pressures and extreme mechanical and explosive shock. The sonar transducer includes a conventional casing, ruggedized to withstand high pressures and a hostile environment. The casing is closed on all sides but one. An array of piezoelectric ceramic stacks are suspended inside of the casing and sandwiched between a single front mass and individual rear masses. The single front mass is positioned closest to the open side of the casing. A flexible cover is sealed over the open side of the casing and pressurized oil is placed inside the housing. Appropriate channels are provided to enable the oil to freely flow throughout the interior of the unit, including flowing inside of and about the ceramic stacks. Electrical connections are made with the ceramic stacks to allow external voltages to electrically stress the stacks, and also to allow external sensing of the voltages generated when the stacks are mechanically stressed. Appropriate lining material and filler material, as well as baffle plates, are selectively placed within the housing in order to impart a desired directivity pattern to the sound energy associated with the transducer's performance.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Gordon L Snow