SOFT SONAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

摘要

2067242 9106192 PCTABS00005 An underwater transducer assembly (T) is mounted on an elongated cylindrical piston (32) received in a pneumatic cylinder (31). One or more springs (41) normally bias the piston (32 or 90) inward into the cylinder (31) to retract the transducer assembly (T) into a sea chest (S'). Air under pressure introduced into the cylinder (31) is effective to overcome the force of the springs (41) and project the transducer assembly (T) to a position operative for scanning. Force applied to the transducer assembly (T) tends to move the piston (32) inward into the cylinder and thereby increase the pressure of the system. The transducer assembly (T) is retracted automatically if the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. A separate mechanical sensor is mounted adjacent to the sea chest S' to detect the presence of obstacles or debris and automatically actuate retraction of the transducer assembly (T).