Water-activated sonobuoy system

Abstract

A water-activated sonobuoy system is provided to release a plurality of sle, water-activated sound sources into a water environment. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of water-impenetrable tubes are attached and sealed at one end to a float and are open on their other end. A plurality of water-activated sound sources are stored within each tube. Water-degradable barriers are used to isolate each of the sound sources within the tubes. Water-degradable endcaps are used to seal the open end of each tube. Upon being placed in the water, the endcaps dissolve to release the first sound source in each tube. This in turn exposes the first barrier in the tube to water. Each exposed barrier subsequently dissolves in the water to release the next water-activated sound source in each tube. This process continues until all sound sources have been released into the water. Appropriate venting is provided in both the barriers and the float to permit controlled water entry from the bottom of the tubes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.