Actuation mine simulator
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsJohn M. Campbell, Herbert L. Ball, Darrell A. Bymoen, Douglas G. Ewen, Ronald D. Hise, Charles R. Stribley, Gaylon L. West
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuation mine simulator system which enables realistic training experce in mine sweeping operations without the danger accompanying use of live mines. The actuation mine simulator is preprogrammed to respond at predetermined time intervals to actuation by large objects such as ships. The mine simulator includes buoyant flares for signaling actuation, a tethered float having a signal beacon for facilitating recovery, and an underwater acoustic transmitter for locating the simulator at the conclusion of training exercises.
Claims36
A mine simulator, comprising:
- a housing defining a water-tight compartment;
- a float having a plurality of signaling devices;
- a tetherline having two ends and a first predetermined finite length, said line being attached on one end to said housing and attached on the other end to said float;
- detecting means within said compartment for producing a ship count signal in response to the proximate passage of a body;
- processing means within said compartment and communicating with said detecting means for producing a signaling device launch signal in response to a predetermined number of said ship count signals;
- recording means within said compartment and communicating with said processing means for making a permanent record of said ship count signals;
- and
- sequencing means within said float communicating with said processing means and with said signaling devices for selectively activating said signaling devices in response to said launch signals.
A mine simulator, comprising:
- a stainless steel case defining a housing open on one end and having a plurality of external fins;
- a tailplate/shroud sealingly attached to said case open end defining a water tight compartment within said case;
- a float having a plurality of separate signaling devices;
- a tetherline attached on one end to said case, and attached on the other end to said float;
- a recovery line attached on one end to said case and attached on the other end to said float;
- instrumentation means contained within said compartment and communicating with said float for activating said signaling devices, one at a time, in response to environmental disturbances;
- and
- an aluminum hemispherical nose piece attached to said case opposite said tailplate/shroud.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.