Benthos, Inc.

Teledyne Instruments, Inc.

Thomas J De Groot

William H Hulsman

Glen Ferguson

Robert C Prescott

Richard D Smith

A pressure-sensitive switch comprises a base member having a mounting surface formed of electrically-insulating material; two electrodes mounted on the base member and each having an electrically-conductive contact surface, and a flexible diaphragm having its periphery secured in a fluid-tight manner to the mounting surface with its electrically-conductive central portion overlying the contact surfaces of the electrodes. The diaphragm, which is formed with plural corrugations, is exposed to the external pressure. When the switch is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the central portion of the diaphragm does not touch the contact surfaces of said electrodes, but when the switch is exposed to a super-atmospheric pressure, this central portion is forced into contact with both contact surfaces, thus electrically connecting the two electrodes. This pressure-sensitive switch is especially useful for use with hydrophones, as in seismic streamer cables.

Pressure-sensitive switch, its method of calibration and use in a hydrophone array

A transducer includes an elongated piezoelectric sensor having only a single integrated mass of piezoelectric material and a pair of relatively longer opposite edges and a pair of relatively narrower opposite edges. The transducer also includes a sensor support. The support imposes less constraint on one of the pairs of edges than on the other pair. Two piezoelectric sensors are supported back-to-back. Each of the sensors is held on opposite edges by a pair of opposite ledges, while two other opposite edges of the sensors are less constrained. The maximum displacement of the two less constrained edges of each sensor are limited by another pair of opposite ledges which are tapered or spaced away from the sensor when the sensor is in its normal position.

Acoustic transducer

A transducer includes an elongated piezoelectric sensor having only a single integrated mass of piezoelectric material and a pair of relatively longer opposite edges and a pair of relatively narrower opposite edges. The transducer also includes a sensor support that imposes less constraint on one of the pairs of edges than on the other pair. A transducer has two piezoelectric sensors, and a support for supporting the two sensors back-to-back. Each of the sensors being held on opposite edges by a pair of opposite ledges, while two other opposite edges of the sensors are less constrained. The maximum displacement of the two less constrained edges of each sensor are limited by another pair of opposite ledges which are spaced away from the sensor when the sensor is in its normal position. A transducer has two piezoelectric sensors mounted back-to-back on a housing that includes a rib which supports an edge of each sensor. The rib has a hole that opens onto a surface of each of the sensors, and a mass of conductive material is formed in the hole to make electrical connection between the surfaces of the sensors. A transducer includes an elongated chamber having at least one open end to allow fluid to flow into the chamber, and a piezoelectric sensor mounted inside the chamber. The sensor has faces defined by edges, and wicking material is inserted inside the chamber between the sensor and the chamber, for wicking fluid into the chamber.

Growing community of inventors

Mattapoisett, MA, United States of America

Thomas J De Groot