Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrumentation apparatus for receiving and recording acoustic signals in a range of depths of approximately 5–100 m beneath the ocean surface and for providing a set of data outputs from which wind velocity and rainfall rate at the surface may be derived. The apparatus includes an omnidirectional hydrophone for substantially isotropical reception of acoustic energy from its upper hemisphere and for producing an output signal representative of the wind velocity and the rainfall rate at the surface. The apparatus further includes a preamplifier connected to the output of the hydrophone and a circuit for processing the amplified signal and recording data derived therefrom. This circuit includes a microprocessor and a data storage device.

Abstract: An accelerometer calibration system calibrates an accelerometer for use in, for example, an ocean wave environment in which the accelerometer will ergo generally oscillatory acceleration. The accelerometer calibration system includes an simple harmonic motion ("SHM")-derived accelerator and a processor. The SHM-derived accelerator applies an SHM acceleration to the accelerometer. The accelerometer generates an output signal having an amplitude related to the acceleration applied thereto. The processor controls the SHM-derived accelerator to apply selected accelerations to the accelerometer, receives the output signal from the accelerometer and generates a profile relating the accelerations applied by the sinusoidal acceleration means to the amplitude of the output signal.

Abstract: A submarine deployed sea-state sensor comprises an elongated housing having nose cone and an aft end, the housing having a forward buoyant chamber for receiving an accelerometer. Aft of the buoyant chamber, a damping assembly communication link deployment means and a lifting body are provided. Both the damping assembly and the lifting body are attached to a communication link interconnecting the accelerometer and a submerged platform so that, when the portion of the communication link between the lifting body and the submerged platform becomes taught, the lifting body is pulled from the housing. The damping assembly includes a motion damping body mounted on the buoyant chamber through an extendable telescoping arm. The extension of the arm is controlled by a pressure release spring, so that, when the sensor reaches a selected depth the telescoping arm will extend to project the motion damping body aftwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic and environmental monitoring stem which correlates natural phenomena and the sound produced by that phenomena. The system includes a bottom mounted hydrophone for measuring/monitoring ambient sound produced by rainfall, waves and wind with the sensors for measuring/monitoring wave height and direction, wind speed and direction and rainfall rate being located within 100 meters of the sound monitoring hydrophone. The system further includes electrical circuitry for correlating the measured natural phenomena with the measured/monitored sea sound surface.