Abstract: The static magnetic field signature of a sea-going vessel is reduced by sly of degaussing current to pairs of loop coils adjacent to the port and starboard sides of the vessel hull. The coils of each pair are positioned at equal angles to a vertical plane extending longitudinally along the keel of the hull. The degaussing currents in the respective coils of each pair are simultaneously varied with respect to amplitude and polarity in accordance with geometrical heading of the vessel and changes in its roll and pitch orientations.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for degaussing a vessel moving over an urwater magnetic detector. A location at the vessel residing over the magnetic detector is continuously provided to a controller. The vessel is equipped with a plurality of degaussing coils such that each is independently controllable. Degaussing coil currents are determined by the controller according to a least squares minimization routine such that an off-board magnetic field of the vessel at the location over the magnetic detector is absolute zero. In addition, the determined coil currents minimize the off-board magnetic field of the vessel at all other locations. The determined coil currents are then applied to the appropriate degaussing coils via separate power supplies.

Abstract: A safety system for deterring a homing missile from attacking its launching ehicle whereby the launching vessel is enabled to alter the course and neutralize the detonator of the weapon.

Abstract: A proximity fuze detects an approaching or attacking torpedo and responds ereto by timely detonating an explosive charge that effectively destroys the torpedo when it is within a predetermined lethal range.

Abstract: A proximity fuze system having a plurality of spatially disposed energy dctors, the response patterns of which overlap in such manner as to form an energy response "fence" for detection of an intruding object within a certain area. An explosive charge is also included in the system for disabling or destroying said intruding object, and a plurality of memories and gates are effectively connected between said detectors and explosive charge to effect the detonation thereof whenever said object is within such lethal range as to be sensed by predetermined pairs of said detectors.

Abstract: A method and means for protecting ships from torpedo attack having an expive weapon which may be launched overboard as soon as feasible after the detection of said attacking torpedo. The aforesaid weapon contains explosive means as well as steering, depth, and speed control means that are regulated by programmed controls, respectively, which are set prior to the launching of the weapon and thereby cause it to traverse and maintain a probable collision course with said torpedo.

Abstract: A system for degaussing ships includes a floating cable having a plurality f insulated conductors, the cable extending between a barge at one end and an end float at the other end, with a floating saddle member mounted at the mid-portion for engagement by a ship's bow. The cable ends are brought together at the barge, the conductors connected in series with one another and energized by a generator on the barge.

Abstract: A ship or other marine surface vessel to be protected against torpedo or missile attack tows therebehind an articulated train of floating projectile barriers. To defense on attack, the ship circles away from the attacker to a position behind a trailing portion of the floating barrier train. Each floating barrier includes a solid wall, torpedo intercepting keel or hull which is buoyant, horizontally stabilized and supports thereon a missile intercepting fence extending above the surface of the water. Provision is made for drawing projectiles to the floating barriers and for determining the position of the attacker.

Abstract: A method for the protective magnetization of vessels by using magnetic loops (11).The field strength of the magnetic field surrounding the vessel is detected by means of a Hall generator (12) and the current through the magnetic loop (11) is controlled in dependence on the field strength thus detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oil spill containment device for aquatic vessels including a flotation collar structure surrounding the periphery of the vessel to be contained, apparatus for deploying this collar including in one embodiment compressed air dispensing equipment and a cable deploying device which pays out and retracts cable as a function of tidal currents, and a sheet structure depending from and extending upwardly above the collar to constrain any oil slick or any potential thereof. Also contemplated herein is a compartmentized and containerized storage system for fuel within a cargo ship so as to minimize the likelihood of a catastrophic spill.

Abstract: 6. A torpedo detecting and explosive charge carrying mechanism comprising an electrically conductive cable, a shielding means adapted for slide on said cable for minimizing the effect of electrically induced eddy currents, and means for transferring power from said cable mounted within said shielding means.

Abstract: 1. Apparatus for decreasing the intensity of cosmic rays at a selected dince beneath a relatively empty displacement volume in an otherwise uniformly loaded ship floating on a body of water comprising in combination,a ship having a relatively empty displacement volume, andmeans for establishing in vertical alinement with said volume a charged particle deflecting field having a strength and configuration effective to divert from a region at said selected distance directly beneath said volume a major fraction of the charged particles which would be prevented from reaching said region by absorption in water displaced by said volume.

Abstract: An underwater light unit is constructed to be placed together within simi units around a ship anchorage on the bottom of a body of water. The construction of the optical portion of the housing permits the uniform illumination of said bottom with a high intensity light so as to produce good silhouette in the volume of water space located above the light units, as well as permitting direct observation of objects on said bottom. The optical portion and base portions interfit in such a manner as to have their watertight integrity remain uneffected by nearby explosions. The housing and mounting stake are constructed and arranged so as to provide a low mounting height above the bottom, so as not to interfere with the passage of surface vessels through the illuminated water space.

Abstract: 1.