USA as Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Trw Limited

Richard L Prossen

James E Eninger

James M Zamel

Lee D Bergerson

Lee R Miller

John B Kryger

Improved ice penetrator apparatus includes protective apparatus for the thermochemical ice penetrator to prevent an undesired explosive sound producing chemical reaction between water and the material of said ice penetrator, particularly while the penetrator is resident in a buoy tube prior to release. The protective apparatus at least partially covers the thermochemical ice penetrator and forms a unitary assembly therewith. The characteristic of the protective material is such that it is non-reactive to the ice penetrator material, typically lithium and/or a sodium lithium alloy, and to water. The protective apparatus may assume any of a diving bell, clam shell and banana skin structural form.

Protective device for thermochemical ice penetrator

A flotation gimbal for a buoy which comprises a flotation bladder connected o the buoy by a pair of looped risers. The risers are anchored to the buoy by a guide in which the risers are allowed to freely move to maintain even tension on the risers as the position of the flotation bladder is tilted.

Buoy flotation gimbal

Growing community of inventors

San Pedro, CA, United States of America

Richard L Prossen