Steering Mechanism Patents (Class 114/23)
  • Patent number: 11650033
    Abstract: The system and method of a steering a moving object using a control plate-based control actuation system on the moving object. The control plate-based control actuation system having a control plate with at least four fin linkages for connecting at least four fins to the control plate; and three actuators configured to move the control plate to produce movement in two or more of the at least four fins. The system produces roll, pitch, and yaw moments for the moving object using three actuators acting on the control plate and thus moving two or more of the at least four fins all with no loss of performance as compared to systems with four actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Jason H. Batchelder, Matthew F. Chrobak, Ryan Dippel
  • Patent number: 11293731
    Abstract: A non-lethal naval vessel interdiction weapon is provided. The non-lethal naval vessel interdiction weapon includes a hydrodynamic hull, guidance and delivery systems housed in the hydrodynamic hull with the delivery system being controllable by the guidance system to drive a naval vessel impeding payload toward a target and a deployment system. The deployment system is configured to prepare the hydrodynamic hull for payload deployment and to deploy the naval vessel impeding payload toward the target following hull preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: David D. Crouch, David R. Sar, Michael J. Holihan, Alf L. Carroll, III
  • Patent number: 11168960
    Abstract: A torpedo apparatus comprises a propulsion module operable to propel the torpedo apparatus through water and a steering module operatively coupled to the propulsion module. The steering module including a plurality of fins which are controllable for controlling a direction of travel of the torpedo apparatus through water. A plurality of head modules are removably and interchangeably attachable to the torpedo apparatus, wherein each of the head modules houses at least one guidance assembly and at least one utility assembly. A power supply module is configured to provide power to the propulsion module, the steering module, and an attached one of the head modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, David G. Kent, John P. Bousquet, Christopher Jay Palmer
  • Patent number: 10684356
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the resolution and/or the accuracy of a transmission unit of a radar sensor is described wherein a transmitter signal is received via a receiving unit. At least one echo signal based on said received signal is simulated. The frequency difference of said transmitter signal and said echo signal is determined. Said frequency difference is filtered and transformed in order to obtain a transform. At least one maximum of said frequency difference in said transform is detected. Spectral properties of said frequency difference in said transform are determined. At least one quality parameter of said spectral properties is outputted. Further, a radar sensor is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Steffen Heuel, Andreas Lagler, Darren Tipton
  • Patent number: 10585730
    Abstract: Enqueue-related processing is provided based on timing out of an attempted enqueue to a queue, such as to an adjunct processor queue. The processing includes attempting enqueuing a request message to a queue until timing out, where the timing out indicates an unsuccessful enqueuing of the request message. Based on the enqueuing of the request message timing out, the process includes determining a likely cause for the enqueuing being unsuccessful and timing out. Based on determining the likely cause, the process includes performing one or more actions to facilitate enqueue-related processing within the computing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Louis P. Gomes
  • Patent number: 10392089
    Abstract: A system for providing marine propulsion is provided including an input shaft driven by a prime mover, a pinion gear coupled to the input shaft, a plurality of planet gears coupled to the pinion gear, a planet carrier having the plurality of planet gears rotationally mounted thereto, and a ring gear surrounding the planet gears and coupled thereto. The planet carrier and ring gear are coupled to internal and external output shafts that are coaxially aligned, which are coupled to aft and forward propulsor elements. The ring gear and planet carrier rotate in opposite directions to provide contra-rotating forward and aft propulsor elements. The ring gear and planet gear are each coupled to rotation altering devices that, when at least one is activated, the rotation of both the planet carrier and ring gear will be altered, thereby altering the rotation of the propulsor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: MICHIGAN MARINE PROPULSION SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Bentgen, Brant Savander
  • Patent number: 9655343
    Abstract: An unmanned feed wagon including a ground-supported chassis, an electric drive for driving the chassis along a predetermined path of movement and a power supply for the electric drive, wherein the power supply includes a power rail following the predetermined path of movement and having a sliding contact which is connected to the electric drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Trioliet Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Liet Cornelis Hendricus
  • Patent number: 9297622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering method of a projectile and to the associated projectile with incidence steerable fins, comprising at least three fins, each being pivotable with respect to the projectile around a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile, wherein the projectile comprises a fin orientation ring, the ring comprising as many arms as there are fins, wherein the ring can translate in a plan P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile and following at least two directions of this plan P, wherein the orientation ring can rotate on itself around its center parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the projectile, each arm comprising means cooperating with an orientation lever fixed to a fin to be able to pivot the fin around its pivot axis during translation of the ring by positioning means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NEXTER MUNITIONS
    Inventor: Richard Roy
  • Patent number: 9227710
    Abstract: A cylindrical underwater vehicle with a vertical end plate attached to a partially movable rudder, including a vertical end plate which is formed in a longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle and is mounted on a circumference thereof so as to improve a control force with respect to the underwater vehicle. The cylindrical underwater vehicle with a vertical end plate attached to a partially movable rudder, including a fixed plate formed to radially extend, and a movable plate, a front end of which is rotatably mounted to the rear of the fixed plate, includes a first vertical end plate which is formed to have a regular width in a longitudinal direction of the underwater vehicle at an upper end portion of the movable plate and is mounted perpendicular to the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Chul-Min Jung, Chan-Ki Kim, Kurn-Chul Lee
  • Patent number: 8939084
    Abstract: A surface skimming munition comprises a hull, a traction propulsion motor positioned in the hull and having a combustion chamber for combustion of a propellant, at least one aft directed nozzle coupled to the hull at a position forward of a center of gravity of the hull and comprising an inlet section and an outlet section, the inlet section in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and the outlet section directing combustion gas received from the combustion chamber through the inlet section in the aft direction, and at least one stabilizing plane coupled to the hull and moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Joseph Cesaroni
  • Patent number: 8552282
    Abstract: A system for reducing the operational efficiency of a watercraft's propulsion system includes a self-propelled and variable-speed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that has at least one homing device adapted to direct the UUV towards an origin of a targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At least one rod is coupled to a forward end of the UUV and extends forward therefrom at least when the UUV is in proximity to the origin of the targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At this point, the UUV is directed and accelerated to drive the rod into the targeted watercraft's propulsor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Felipe A. Garcia, Gregory A. Reitmeyer, Robert C. Woodall
  • Patent number: 8502063
    Abstract: A lightweight, miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship's hull in response to contact with the ship's hull, a chamber containing a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull at a combustion temperature that is higher than a melting temperature of the material of the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo through water to the ship's hull. The torpedo is constructed with a size and weight that enables it to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Louis David Rivoli
  • Patent number: 8151711
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiment provides bumpers which are roughly shaped like skis that face towards the air-water boundary of the air cavity. When the projectile fishtails and one or more of the bumpers come into contact with the air-water boundary, the water imparts torque and a rebounding force to push the projectile completely back into the air cavity. Furthermore, because the bumpers are shaped roughly like skis and not like knives, the bumpers do not penetrate the water or create unnecessary water drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jyun-Horng Fu
  • Patent number: 8072172
    Abstract: A redundant electromechanical actuator is provided that includes first and second electric motors, a common output shaft, first and second drive cable drums, first and second driven cable drums, a first cable, and a second cable. The first and second electric motors are each adapted to be controllably energized to supply a drive torque. The common output shaft is coupled to receive the drive torque supplied from one or both of the motors. The first and second drive cable drums are coupled to the common output shaft to receive the drive torque from one or both of the motors. The first and second driven cable drums are each configured, upon being driven, to rotate. The first cable is coupled between the first drive cable drum and the first driven cable drum, and the second cable is coupled between the second drive cable drum and the second driven cable drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Casey Hanlon, David M. Eschborn
  • Patent number: 8015922
    Abstract: A technique for controlling the pitch of a supercavitating projectile is disclosed. For example, the illustrative embodiment controls the pitch of a supercavitating projectile by shifting its center of gravity. The center of gravity of the projectile is shifted by moving a ferromagnetic mass inside the projectile forward or backward, depending on the desired pitch. In some embodiments of the present invention, the position of the ferromagnetic mass is directed by a controller that has a predetermined trajectory stored in its memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jyun-Horng Fu
  • Patent number: 7690309
    Abstract: A control system for a supercavitating vehicle includes a set of winglets for rapid maneuverability and a segmented ring wing for fine stabilization control. The winglets and ring wing extend from an aft portion of the vehicle. The winglets are supported by a strut attached to the vehicle. The angle of attack of each winglet into the water adjacent the cavity is controlled by a winglet actuator. The winglet assembly may be extended into the water or retracted to be completely within the cavity by means of a spring-loaded actuated mount. The segmented ring wing is controlled by a ring actuator. The ring actuator may be used to control the angle of attack of the ring wing. Alternately, or in combination, the flow over the ring wing may be neutralized by using the cavitator of the vehicle to globally enlarge the cavity and thus limit the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert Kuklinski
  • Publication number: 20100071605
    Abstract: A control system for a supercavitating vehicle includes a set of winglets for rapid maneuverability and a segmented ring wing for fine stabilization control. The winglets and ring wing extend from an aft portion of the vehicle. The winglets are supported by a strut attached to the vehicle. The angle of attack of each winglet into the water adjacent the cavity is controlled by a winglet actuator. The winglet assembly may be extended into the water or retracted to be completely within the cavity by means of a spring-loaded actuated mount. The segmented ring wing is controlled by a ring actuator. The ring actuator may be used to control the angle of attack of the ring wing. Alternately, or in combination, the flow over the ring wing may be neutralized by using the cavitator of the vehicle to globally enlarge the cavity and thus limit the flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Kuklinski
  • Publication number: 20090218437
    Abstract: A control actuator system. The novel system includes a control surface mounted on a body and adapted to move in a first direction relative to the body, and a first mechanism for storing energy as the control surface moves in the first direction and releasing the stored energy to move the control surface in a second direction opposite the first direction. In an illustrative embodiment, the system is adapted to rotate an aerodynamic control surface of a rolling missile, and the first mechanism is a torsional spring arranged such that rotating the control surface in the first direction winds up the spring and releasing the spring causes the control surface to oscillate back and forth, alternating between the first and second directions. In a preferred embodiment, the spring has a spring constant such that the control surface oscillates at a natural frequency matching a roll rate of the missile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Samuel D. Sirimarco, Gerald E. Van Zee
  • Patent number: 7576281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism (10), wherein said driving mechanism (10) further comprises of a plurality of sections such as a nose section (12), a propulsion section (14), a drag chute section (16) and a cutting section (18), and wherein said sections are integrally connected with one another in a tight and secure manner. The driving mechanism (10) is capable to be launched from an aircraft or a surface craft towards a target and wherein upon launch said driving mechanism (10) is capable of steering itself on its own towards its target and thereafter attaching itself to the target and wherein by using the drag chute section (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Singapore Technologies Dynamics Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Pao Chuen Lui, Saik Hay Fong, Hong Soon Tan, Tee Peng Toh
  • Patent number: 7337743
    Abstract: A control surface system for a marine vehicle is provided. The control surface system includes a control member having at least two control portions fixedly connected at a predetermined spacing from each other. The control portions each have opposed surfaces, with the control portions being rotatable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bryan J. Sydnor, David L. Hinch, Wendell S. Nagao
  • Patent number: 7148416
    Abstract: An undersea vehicle having both low emitted noise and low reflectivity is provided. The undersea vehicle has a hollow cylindrical hull with all components, sensors, electronics, motors, and other internal components with the exception of the propellers, located within the shell of the cylindrical hull. The hollow center of the hull provides a duct and propeller configuration with the shaping of the inlet tube designed to reduce forward noise transmissions, such as reflected active sonar signals and emitted noise. The internal duct gradually constricts to a throat section and thereafter diverges to an output section where dual counter-rotating propellers are located. The result is that most of the internal turbulent flow and the propeller noise is located behind the throat and is thereby reflected in the aft direction. Steering of the vehicle is accomplished by canting the leading edge intake section and the duct exhaust section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: James Q. Rice
  • Patent number: 6736685
    Abstract: A control surface system is particularly well suited to provide improved control for undersea vehicles having integrated motor propulsors (IMP). The control surface system is deployable beyond lateral peripheral dimensions of the IMP and undersea vehicle. A plurality of arc-shaped control elements is disposed in a stowed position in an annular intake recess inside of an annular duct on the undersea vehicle. Struts connect each of the control elements to the annular duct. A deployment device rotates each of the control elements and the struts radially outwardly beyond lateral peripheral dimensions of the vehicle to a fully deployed position. A latching mechanism selectively engages and disengages the struts to hold the control elements in the stowed position and the fully deployed position, respectively. Launch tubes sized for the undersea vehicles can launch undersea vehicles provided with control surface system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gieseke
  • Patent number: 6651004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing a pursuing vehicle, such as a torpedo, on an intercept trajectory from a launching vehicle to a target vehicle with evasion capabilities. The guidance system bases a solution on vectors on a first Cartesian coordinate system. Evasive maneuvers for the target vehicle are based upon vectors on a second Cartesian coordinate system. The guidance system converts the evasive maneuver to the first coordinate system and then performs an iterative process using initial guidance parameter values to determine, upon convergence of the solutions, final guidance parameters for the target vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Joseph J. Perruzzi, Michael Dipaola, Edward J. Hillard
  • Patent number: 6622647
    Abstract: A noise cancellation system and method for use with a seeker head of a marine vessel are provided according to the invention. The seeker head employs one or more hydrophones that generate one or more output signals. The noise cancellation system includes a plurality of motion sensors. The plurality of motion sensors generate a plurality of noise signals based on a hydrodynamic flow noise caused by the marine vessel and acting on the marine vessel. The noise cancellation system further includes a processor receiving the plurality of noise signals and the one or more output signals and applying an active noise cancellation to the one or more output signals to substantially cancel out the flow noise. The active noise cancellation is based on the noise signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Martin L. DePoy
  • Publication number: 20020079404
    Abstract: The invention is, in its various embodiments and implementations, a method and apparatus for planar actuation of a flared surface to control a vehicle. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for controlling a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium. The apparatus includes a flare; a planar yoke operably associated with the flare; a plurality of actuators capable of moving the planar yoke to manipulate the flare through the operable association between the planar yoke and the flare; and a load bearing structure through which the translating means imparts a moment from the flare to the vehicle. In a second aspect, the invention comprises a method for controlling the maneuvering of a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium. The method includes moving a planar yoke to deflect at least a portion of a flare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne K. Schroeder, Johnny Edward Banks
  • Patent number: 6259974
    Abstract: A method for the automated generation of ballistic constants for use in a trajectory control system. The potential trajectory of a pursuing vehicle is divided into a plurality of multiple sequential phases wherein each phase is characterized by a plurality of ballistic parameters. Known simulated data from a number of runs concerning the pursuing vehicle is analyzed. Ballistic parameter values for each run are obtained and statistically analyzed to produce generic constants for a particular set of operating conditions. Resulting matrices are stored as part of a two-dimensional, kinematic vehicle model to facilitate the propagation of projected trajectories during firing control solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Anthony F. Bessacini, Robert F. Pinkos, Eugene Bessacini, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5849859
    Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible polyester comprising (C.sub.3-10) alkylene carbonic acid ester units, each alkylene group being a C.sub.3 -alkylene group having 1 oxy substituent or a (C.sub.4-10) alkylene group having 2-8 oxy substituents, each of the oxy substituents occurring individually as a hydroxyl group or as a derivatized hydroxyl group comprising an ester or an ortho ester or an acetal residue.The polyesters may be used as matrices for the sustained release of pharmacologically active compounds, e.g. peptides or proteins, in the form of microparticles or implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Murat Acemoglu
  • Patent number: 5824946
    Abstract: A search angle selection system generates a search angle for a torpedo in sponse to a number of inputs. Initially, the system bounds the region to be insonified. The system determines the search angle which best insonifies the region from the surface down to the target's keel depth out to the maximum acquisition range of the torpedo, for each search depth accounting for the torpedo's attack angle. The system determines a set of attainable aimpoints along the surface which are based on the environmental and weapon parameters. It then finds rays which intersect the aimpoints and uses the ray angles to determine an optimal beam steering angle. For each search depth, the system categorizes the sound speed profile between the search depth and the surface, and determines the maximum range that can physically be reached from the search depth. Using the maximum range and the weapon's range gate, a maximum aimpoint is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David S. Cwalina
  • Patent number: 5819676
    Abstract: A search angle selection system determines acoustic homing beam offset ans to be used by a torpedo from a group of target depth conditions in response to given environmental, tactical, target and weapon information. The system optimally bounds the region that is to be insonified. The system determines the search angle which best insonifies the depth band, that is, the region between the upper depth bound and the lower depth bound, for each search depth, accounting for the weapon's attack angle, including search depths which are not in the depth band itself. For each search depth, the system determines the relative depth separation of the search depth from each of the bounds, and based on this separation an aimpoint which projects from a reference plane through the torpedo is chosen at the depth of each bound. The aimpoint is selected from a table of empirically-determined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: David S. Cwalina
  • Patent number: 5708232
    Abstract: A system of articulation units is inserted between sections of a standard lindrical underwater vehicle, such as a torpedo, to provide a highly maneuverable vehicle. Each articulation unit consists of two bulkheads connected by a spherical joint which allows rotation about the joint. The bulkheads are connected to adjacent torpedo sections by means of standard joint bands. A number of hydraulic actuators are spaced radially about the spherical joint between the bulkheads. By selectively activating the actuators, the joint bends the vehicle about its longitudinal axis. The pressure of the surrounding medium against the moving vehicle causes the vehicle to turn in the direction of the bend. Depending on the actuators activated, the vehicle can be made to bend, or turn, in any direction, making for a highly maneuverable vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William H. Nedderman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5661259
    Abstract: A control fin assembly for a water vehicle includes a multiplicity of fins onnected together and grouped in an array mounted on the vehicle. A portion of the array is of a shape-memory material responsive to heat to assume selected shapes different from the shape of the array portion otherwise. The array portion is electrically conductive and adapted to increase in temperature upon application of electrical current thereto to effect the assumption of the selected shapes.The invention further relates to a control fin for a water vehicle, at least a portion of the fin being of a shape-memory material responsive to heat to assume selected shapes different from the shape of the fin otherwise, the fin portion being electrically conductive and adapted to increase in temperature upon application of electrical current thereto to effect the assumption of the selected shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 5551365
    Abstract: There is presented in combination, a water vehicle and a directional cont means therefor. The water vehicle includes at least a portion thereof which is underwater during travel of the vehicle through water. The directional control means comprises a plurality of symmetrically disposed arms extendible from sides of the underwater portion of the vehicle. The arms each include a multiplicity of fins in a compact array for contact with the water through which the vehicle portion moves, each of the fins having an uncambered, neutral lift cross-section matching the hydrodynamic streamline flow thereabout at predetermined vehicle speed below the cavitation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cipolla, Ronald E. Waclawik, Charles L. Elste
  • Patent number: 5551364
    Abstract: There is presented an assembly comprising an underwater vehicle and a comation directional control and cable interconnect device therefor. The underwater vehicle remains underwater during travel of the vehicle through water. The directional control and cable interconnect device comprises a single arm extendible from one side of the underwater of vehicle. The arm includes a multiplicity of fins in a compact array for contact with the water through which the vehicle moves, each of the fins having an uncambered, neutral lift cross-section matching the hydrodynamic streamline flow thereabout at predetermined vehicle speed below the cavitation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cipolla, Ronald E. Waclawik
  • Patent number: 5551363
    Abstract: There is presented an assembly comprising an underwater vehicle and a comation directional control and cable interconnect means therefor. The underwater vehicle remains underwater during travel of the vehicle through water. The directional control and cable interconnect means comprise arms extendible from sides of the underwater vehicle. Each of the arms includes a multiplicity of fins in a compact array for contact with the water through which the vehicle moves, each of the fins having an uncambered, neutral lift cross-section matching hydrodynamic streamline flow thereabout at predetermined vehicle speed below the cavitation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cipolla, Ronald E. Waclawik, Charles L. Elste
  • Patent number: 5549065
    Abstract: There is presented in combination, a water vehicle and a directional cont device therefor. The water vehicle includes at least a portion thereof which is underwater during travel of the vehicle through water. The directional control device comprises a single arm extendible from one side of the underwater portion of the vehicle. The arm includes a multiplicity of fins in a compact array for contact with the water through which the vehicle portion moves, each of the fins having an uncambered, neutral lift cross-section matching the hydrodynamic streamline flow thereabout at predetermined vehicle speed below the cavitation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cipolla, Ronald E. Waclawik
  • Patent number: 4740887
    Abstract: A method and system for improving the reliability of an electronic system formed of subsystems which perform different functions. The electronic system is analyzed to determine which of the subsystems is most likely to cause a system failure and these subsystems are targeted for monitoring and/or correction by a microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit monitors the inputs and outputs of the targeted subsystems and determines when an output is inappropriate for the corresponding input. When an error is detected, an error code is stored in memory for future reference. When the microcontroller is in a correcting mode, open collector drivers are used to make corrections for an error in a digital output. Where the error generated is for an analog output, a digital to analog converter circuit and voltage followers are employed to impress the correct analog signal on the inappropriate output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Rutenberg
  • Patent number: 4732100
    Abstract: An interior actuation system for controlling an exterior control surface of a torpedo or the like which has an afterbody with radial inlet vanes defining inlet liquid passages to the propellers of the torpedo. A linear actuator is mounted in the afterbody. A bell crank is connected at one end to the linear actuator and extends radially outwardly therefrom through one of the inlet vanes. A driving connection, including a link arm connected at one end to the opposite end of the bell crank, extends longitudinally from the bell crank through the afterbody outside the liquid passages and operatively interconnects the control surface to the linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel R. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 4601251
    Abstract: The horizontal orientation of a rocket moving in a liquid is achieved by an arrangement in which a magnet is attached to the rocket body. The axis of the rocket and the magnetic axis of the magnet form an azimuthal angle .alpha., which determines the direction of the rocket relative to the geomagnetic meridian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl Wisseroth
  • Patent number: 4579298
    Abstract: A missile for airborne and seaborne use in which directional control about a flight axis comprises a nose (2) deflectable angularly in relation to the flight axis of the body (1) of the missile to form steering means by changing the fluid flow involve over the body (1) and means (4,5) between the nose (2) and the body (1) to effect angular deflection about a universal pivoting point (3) between the nose (2) and the body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: The Commonwealth of Australia
    Inventor: Keith D. Thomson
  • Patent number: 4429652
    Abstract: For enhancing the maneuverability, speed, survivalbility, and targeting accuracy of a torpedo moving below the surface of a body of water, ultrasonic vibrations are set-up at the exterior of the torpedo hull, using controlled piezoelectric crystals to generate the vibrations in the 5-50 KHZ and 5-30 KW frequency and power ranges. Ways are disclosed for operating the piezoelectric crystals to steer the hull without need for mechanically moving parts such as flaps or fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Invocas, Inc.
    Inventor: Israel Stol
  • Patent number: 4392443
    Abstract: Propulsion means of undersea vehicle comprises a pair of counter-rotating w speed impellers driven from a spider shaft rotating at relatively high speed. The reduction is accomplished by a variable speed reducing and torque transmitting device which allows infinite resolution for speed control including a zero speed setting while maintaining a constant high speed at the input spider shaft. Attitude of the vehicle is controlled by a plurality of regulated inlet ports and roll control is regulated by increasing the speed of one impeller and decreasing the speed of the other. The sea water utilized for the attitude is also used for propulsion. Control systems within the vehicle utilize and electro-pneumatic-hydraulic system complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael De Marco
  • Patent number: 4391474
    Abstract: A seal for a thrust shaft in a body wherein the body has a bore and a counterbore, the bottom of the counterbore providing a shoulder for the thrust force of the shaft. The seal includes a bearing sleeve which is slidably mounted on the shaft, the bearing sleeve having a static O-ring which seals the interior of the sleeve to the shaft and a flange which extends into the counterbore. Provision is made for radially fixing the bearing sleeve to the shaft. A ring-shaped seal housing is mounted about the shaft below the bearing sleeve and extends into the counterbore, the seal housing having an interior dynamic O-ring sealing the housing to the shaft and an exterior static O-ring which seals the housing to the counterbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Inventor: Leonard J. Martini
  • Patent number: 4360348
    Abstract: Propulsion apparatus for an undersea vehicle comprises a pair of counter-ating low speed impellers driven from a spider shaft rotating at relatively high speed. The reduction is accomplished by a variable speed reducing and torque transmitting device which allows infinite resolution for speed control including a zero speed setting while maintaining a constant high speed at the input spider shaft. Attitude of the vehicle is controlled by a plurality of regulated inlet ports and roll control is regulated by increasing the speed of one impeller and decreasing the speed of the other. The sea water utilized for the attitude is also used for propulsion. Control systems within the vehicle utilize an electro-pneumatic-hydraulic system complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael DeMarco
  • Patent number: 4323025
    Abstract: 1. In a homing torpedo, in combination: means for providing a target search hase of torpedo operation wherein said torpedo is controlled to change depth between predetermined search floor and search ceiling depths and simultaneously controlled to circle in azimuth, whereby to execute helical search action; means for switching, in response to target acquisition at any time during a search phase of torpedo operation, to a target pursuit phase of torpedo operation; and means for switching, in the event of and in response to target loss continuing for a predetermined period in a target pursuit phase, to a modified search phase of torpedo operation wherein said torpedo is initially controlled to execute circle search action while maintaining depth position at substantially that at which target loss occurred, for a predetermined period accommodating at least a complete azimuth circling turn, then controlled to revert to helical search action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1961
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Seth G. Fisher, Stephen Kowalyshyn
  • Patent number: 4306512
    Abstract: In an echo-ranging homing torpedo having means for normally transmitting rch pulses at a predetermined repetition rate, and having a receiver wherein detection of target echo signals, during listening intervals between search pulse transmission instants, is limited by the presence of reverberation signals, said receiver including a TVG amplifier followed by a signal amplitude-threshold type of detection circuit for discrimination of target echo signals from said reverberation signals, the gain-increase characteristic of said TVG amplifier normally being set to limit target-echo detection sensitivity to an extent preventing false-alarm response under the maximum reverberation conditions which may occur during target search action, in combination:(a) means, responsive to initial detection of target echo signals, for switching said torpedo from a target search phase to a boresight homing phase of operation;(b) means becoming effective, when target echo detection occurs within an echo return time of preselected v
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1964
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Morton O. Heinrich
  • Patent number: 4255799
    Abstract: 1. In an underwater-target direction-finding apparatus of echo-ranging ty in combination: receiver means, including a network tunable to resonance at echo signal frequency, for deriving, from received echo signals, command signals carrying echo-source direction information; target-recognition means for providing a gating signal only upon and during reception of an echo signal arising from a true target, and in time-coincidence with that echo signal; utilization means controllable by and in response to said command signals when applied thereto; and circuit means for placing said network in resonant condition in response to and only during occurrence of said gating signal, whereby to limit control of said utilization means to command signals stemming from true target echo signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1960
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Joseph T. Laing
  • Patent number: 4239012
    Abstract: 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1960
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stephen Kowalyshyn, John C. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 4218985
    Abstract: A torpedo operable submerged in water is provided with a pair of vane members mounted on opposite sides of the body thereof in recesses provided therefor. Each vane member includes a mounting section disposed in a recess and a long outwardly flared section; each of such vane members being rotatable about an operationally horizontal common axis passing through the mounting section thereof. Such vane members are selectively rotatable about such common axis into and out of alignment with the flowstream moving rearwardly alongside the body of such torpedo as the same moves forwardly through the water to concurrently serve steering and heeling functions or to serve a pitching function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventor: Allen Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4206508
    Abstract: In a device for testing torpedo acoustic homing systems the combination crising: first means for providing a plurality of output voltages having substantially equal amplitudes and adjustable predetermined relative phase relationships adapted for connection with a torpedo acoustic homing system, second means for supplying an electrical signal having substantially the same characteristics as an acoustical signal received by an underwater transducer to said first means; and indicating means adapted for monitoring the operation of said homing system whereby the response of said homing system to said output voltages of said first means is pointed out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1959
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Emil W. Lehmann, Harvey Brooks, Jack H. Slaton
  • Patent number: 4203163
    Abstract: 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1959
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Carroll L. Key, Jr.