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:
May. 21, 1997
John V Bouyoucos, Pittsford, NY (US);
David C Charvoz, Fairport, NY (US);
Dennis R Courtright, Canandaigua, NY (US);
Hydroacoustics Inc., Rochester, NY (US);
Abstract
An improved acoustic source array system is provided by the invention to generate acoustic signals underwater. The system has an array of acoustic signal sources, such as air guns, towable while underwater behind a surface vessel. The array includes a plurality of these sources, and spreader bar assemblies including these sources. The sources are attached by these assemblies at predetermined separation distances in the array. The spreader bar assemblies provide manifolds for storing and regulating energy, such as compressed air, to operate the sources. The array is connected to the vessel by an umbilical. The sources are controlled by a shipboard controller for firing the sources to provide acoustic signals underwater at selected times. The array may be towed from the ship with the flat side of the array assuming an angle of approximately 45.degree. or less with respect to a vertical axis. The flat side of the array includes a horizontal axis that is normal to the direction of tow. A drum on the ship stows the spreader bar assembles on flanges of the drum in successive layers and enables the array to be deployed.