The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 24, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 22, 1996
Lewis Werner Fleischmann, Randallstown, MD (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Binghamton, NY (US);
Abstract
An acoustic array handler (10) includes an elongated linear guide channel (14U, 14L) in which upper (18U) and lower (18L) trains of suction heads (18su) are longitudinally movable. Each suction head (18su) has a porous part shaped to fit the array hose, and together the two trains of suction heads hold the array along the length of the channel. A pump is coupled to the channel for applying suction to the channel and, through the suction heads, to the hose. When immersed in seawater, the pump creates a negative pressure within the channel and the suction heads, which is communicated to the hose, drawing the hose into intimate contact with the trains of suction heads. The trains of suction heads are powered so as to drive them through the channel, drawing the hose with them. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the trains of suction heads is an endless loop, which recirculates through the channel under the impetus of pulleys or sprockets.