Abstract: A fairing assembly is provided for a towed body having multiple sections that are flexibly joined together. For each pair of sections, a fairing is joined to the first section and positioned over the space between the pairs of sections. The fairing has discrete tabs that extend from the first section across the space between the sections. The tabs are separated to allow angular displacement of the first section with respect to the second section. Two layers of overlapping tabs are provided for reducing hydrodynamic forces in between the sections.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided to control the path of a fluid. A control cher has at least one window incorporated therein that permits acoustic waves impinging thereon to pass therethrough. An ultrasonic source is remotely located with respect to the control chamber and a coupling medium, such as water, air or an acoustic waveguide, acoustically couples the acoustic waves to the window(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filtering particulate matter from a fluid traveg proximate a surface containing a port. First and second ultrasonic wave generators produce superposed ultrasonic waves to define a composite wave pattern in a region of the fluid body upstream of the port. Nodes and antinodes in the composite wave region define regions at which the particulate matter accumulates. The accumulating particulate matter is displaced out of the fluid that enters the port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulate matter entrained in a fl entering a port from a reservoir. First and second ultrasonic wave generators produce ultrasonic waves to define a composite wave pattern. The patterns produce nodes and antinodes in a region through which fluid entering a port passes. The particulate matter in the portion of the fluid passing through the region accumulates along the nodes and antinodes. The accumulating particulate matter is thereby separated and is displaced from the fluid entering the port.

Abstract: A bubble capture electrode configuration for an MHD system includes a body ortion which forms a main channel and holds an electrically conductive fluid adapted to have a first flow direction. The system includes at least two electrodes wherein one is a cathode and the other is an anode. The electrodes are adjacent the body portion and are adapted to transmit an electric current therebetween and through the fluid. An electrolysis reaction is produced adjacent at least one electrode, forming gas bubbles. The system also includes magnetic poles for forming a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field passes through the fluid substantially transverse to the electric current. Accordingly, a force is created for moving the fluid through the main channel.

Abstract: A vibration isolation mount comprises a frame adapted for attachment to a pport member, a spring device mounted on the frame and adapted for attachment to a protected device, the spring device being movable on the frame to permit movement of the protected device relative to the support member, and a locking mechanism for limiting movement of the spring device on the frame, thereby to limit movement of the protected device relative to the support member.

Abstract: A sag-compensated vibration isolation mount includes a cylindrical rubber dy element and a circular band extending around the body element. The band is formed from a shape-memory alloy metal which has a predetermined transition temperature. The band is operative for restricting outward bulging and sagging of the body element when the body element is subjected to an axial load at a temperature above the transition temperature. The band has a first length at a temperature above the transition temperature and it is stretchable to a second length at a temperature below the transition temperature. At temperatures below the transition temperature, the body element normally stretches the band to its second length. However, when the band is heated above its transition temperature, the band rapidly decreases in length to its first length to forcibly compress the body element and restrict outward bulging of the body element.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for erecting and stowing a communications antenna rom an underwater buoyant cable. In its stowed position, the antenna is approximately parallel to the cable. In its erected position, the antenna is approximately perpendicular to the cable. A hinge, spring biased to maintain the antenna in its stowed position, is connected to the cable and to one end of the antenna. A shape memory alloy actuator is connected to the cable and the antenna. The actuator overcomes the spring bias of the hinge to raise the antenna to its erected position when energy of activation is supplied thereto. Further, the actuator allows the spring bias of the hinge to return the antenna to its stowed position when the energy of activation is removed therefrom.