USA as Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Phillip Bernstein

Henry Toy

Johan C Van Der Zwaan

Daniel P Kucik

John Dudinsky

Paul Moser

An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) is equipped with a GPS, heading sensor, depth and altitude sensors, and an acoustic navigation system. The UUV is deployed in the vicinity of the target location and releases an acoustic transponder (beacon). Using the acoustic navigation system with the GPS reference, the UUV conducts a survey to determine the horizontal location of the beacon on the seafloor and calculates a relative position between the beacon and the target. The UUV can plan a travel path allowing it to relocate the target, using the beacon as a navigation aid. The UUV can submerge to target depth and search for the target using a forward looking sensor. Once the target is acquired on the sensor, the UUV can home to the target.

Self surveying navigation system

A separation nut system having bolt ejecting separation nut assemblies coned with bolt catcher assemblies. At least two separation nut assemblies with their respective bolt catcher assemblies are connected by a manifold tube so that, should the squib initiator of one separation nut assembly fail, the manifold tube will transfer and redistribute the gas generated from one squib to both separation nut assemblies to provide performance redundancy. Also, each separation nut assembly is capable of being tested for performance integrity prior to actual usage without the need for disassembly and subsequent reassembly and inspection after each use.

Separation nut system

A release assembly using separation nuts and thrusters for ejecting a body ith spin from a vehicle. The separation nuts are manifolded together in pairs so that failure of one squib of a pair will not affect actuation of the separation nuts, the separation nuts connecting the body to the vehicle. A pair of thrusters is manifolded together so that a single gas cartridge actuates both, the thrusters being situated to impart radial and axial components of velocity to the body upon separation to eject the body with spin from the vehicle. An electrical command energizes the squibs and gas cartridge simultaneously to actuate the separation nuts and thrusters.

Release assembly using separation nuts and thrusters

A system to impart a desired combination of linear and rotational momentum o a projectile. A pair of thrusters are designed to engage a projectile at a fixed angle to impart the desired combination of forces when activated. A manifold tube commutes between the thrusters and a slow release cartridge. Upon ignition of the cartridge, gases enter the manifold tube to cause simultaneous thruster action, avoiding tipoff and other problems associated with the introduction of undesired force components.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Phillip Bernstein