USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

William A Visser

David J Daily

Simon E Freeman

David C Ponte

Ian M Doyle

Lauren A Freeman

Jason R Morin

A planar sensor array includes a center tube, a first group of tubes, and a second group of tubes. One or more of the first group of tubes is positively buoyant, and at least one of the second group of tubes is negatively buoyant. Adjacent tubes are joined together by hinges. Acoustic sensors are positioned within the tubes. First and second half-shells are connected to the most distal tube of each group. The first half-shell is positively buoyant, and the second half-shell is negatively buoyant. An actuator attached to said center tube, and fins are attached to the actuator. The actuator is adjustable to change the fins angle of attack. Environmental fluid flow over the fins induces a torque on the actuator and center tube and causes these components to rotate. Rotation of the center tube causes the first and second groups of tubes to wrap around the center tube.

Rollable, large vertical aperture, acoustic planar towed array

A jig for assembly of a segmented ring comprises an inner hub, an outer housing, a base, and a top cap defining a ring-shaped channel therebetween. Springs disposed about a perimeter of the inner hub face the outer housing within the ring-shaped channel. Through holes in the outer housing receive dowels projecting radially into the ring-shaped channel to pair respectively with the springs. Nocks in all dowels receive an adjustment string that applies uniform radial force to objects pinched between the dowels and springs within the channel. A tensioner peg mounted to the base secures the adjustment string while under tension. The inner hub, outer housing, base, and/or top cap may be constructed of aluminum coated with a nonsticking polymer to prevent sticking to adhesive that cures in the ring-shaped channel to create a finished segmented ring assembly.

Jig for assembly of segments into a ring geometry

Growing community of inventors

West Warwick, RI, United States of America

William A Visser