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:
Feb. 23, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 13, 1997
Robert A Dechico, Pennington, NJ (US);
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, DC (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for producing an acoustic output in an underwater environment ncludes a radiator having a generally elongate, circular x-section with first and second ends, the outer surface of the radiator having a curved shape; an end cap attached to each end of the radiator; and a plurality of piezoceramic elements positioned and arranged to form stacks located exterior to the radiator and between the end caps. The radiator and the end caps seal off the interior of the radiator and provide an air tight cavity interior to the radiator. When a fluctuating voltage is applied across the piezoceramic stacks, the stacks are caused to longitudinally expand and contract in concert with the applied voltage thus inducing a displacement of the end caps. Since the ends of the radiator are attached to the end caps, the radiator is caused to flex inwardly and outwardly as the end caps move longitudinally. The present invention provides a greater specific power output; a useful, dry space interior to the radiator; and enhanced cooling of the piezoceramic elements.