Underwater detection and deterrent system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsJohn J. Holmes, John F. Scarzello
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting and deterring underwater threats is provided that uses numerous anodes and sensors around a ship or other waterborne structure to monitor for intruders and issue electrical shocks to the intruders in increasing amounts to deter sabotage. The underwater detection and deterrent system would provide an alarm and the approximate location of the intruder when the electrical field changes in response to the intruder. The system is capable of providing a lethal electrical shock to the intruder if necessary.
Claims20
An underwater detection and deterrent system comprising:
- a plurality of anodes for distributing current in an electrolyte;
- a plurality of sensors for sensing current flow in said electrolyte;
- a power supply for supplying electrical power to said anodes;
- a controller that receives current signals from said sensors,
- generates control signals for setting the level of current supplied by said power supply to said anodes in response to said current signals,
- and for generating alarm signals in response to said current signals;
- and
- an alarm display system responsive to said alarm.
An underwater detection and deterrent system comprising:
- a plurality of anodes distributed on the hull of a ship for imparting a current into an electrolyte;
- a plurality of sensors distributed on the hull of said ship for sensing said current flow in said electrolyte;
- a power supply for supplying electrical power to said anodes;
- a controller for receiving and processing current signals from said sensors, said controller outputting a level signal for setting the power supplied by said power supply, said controller outputting alarm signals;
- and
- an alarm display system responsive to said alarm signals.
A method for detecting and deterring underwater threats comprising:
- supplying power to anodes whereby current flows between said anodes at a predetermined level;
- monitoring said current flow;
- providing an alarm if said current flow changes;
- increasing the current flow between said anodes in response to said alarm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.