`
`
`Ex. PGS 1064
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`EX. PGS 1064
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`

`

`111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006144342A
`United States Patent [19J
`6,144,342
`|||||||||||||||||||l||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||l||||||||||||||||
`[11] Patent Number:
`U8006l44342A
`Bertheas et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Nov. 7, 2000
`United States Patent
`[19]
`[11] Patent Number:
`6,144,342
`
`Bertheas et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Nov. 7, 2000
`[54] METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE
`3,639,695
`2/1972 Bertheas ....... ... ......... ........ 179/15.55 R
`3,745,956
`7/1973 Bertheas .... ...... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... . 114/23
`NAVIGATION OF A TOWED LINEAR
`3,761,821
`9/1973 Bertheas .................................. 325/496
`ACOUSTIC ANTENNA, AND DEVICES
`[54] METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE
`3,639,695
`2/1972 Bertheas
`179/1555 R
`9/197 4 Bertheas .... ... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .. 340/6 R
`3,835,448
`THEREFOR
`NAVIGATION OF A TOWED LINEAR
`3,745,956
`7/1973 Bertheas
`114/23
`6/1977 Ferrari et a!. ............................. 165/80
`4,029,141
`325/496
`
`ACOUSTIC ANTENNA, AND DEVICES
`39615821
`9/1973 Berthcas
`340/6 R
`7/1981 Suppa ....................... .... ............... 367/3
`4,279,025
`
`Inventors: Jean Bertheas, Villeneuve Loubet;
`THEREFOR
`3,835,448
`9/1974 Bertheas
`. 165/80
`10/1981 Suppa eta!. ................................ 367/4
`4,295,211
`4,029,141
`6/1977 Ferrari et al
`Gilles Moresco, Cagnes/Mer; Vito
`2/1982 Guenther ................................. 114/244
`4,313,392
`
`Suppa, Roquefort les Pins; Bernard
`Inventors: Jean Bertheas, Villeneuve Loubet;
`1192.311 10/1331 :uppa """"
`367/3
`_
`V
`,
`,
`,
`. ,
`uppa et al.
`367/4
`4/1983 Suppa ....................... .... ............. 441!30
`4,380,440
`Hue, Cagnes/Mer; Didier Soreau,
`10/1984 Orieux eta!. ........................... 367/123
`4,480,322
`Glues Moms“), (“files/M“; V110
`4,313,392
`2/1982 Guenther
`114/244
`
`Locmaria-Plouzane, all of France
`4,762,208
`8/1988 Reynier et a!. ......................... 188/288
`51111113, Roquefort 185 P1115; Bernard
`4,380,440
`4/1983 Suppa ........
`441/30
`Hue, Cagncs/Mer; Didier Soreau,
`4,480,322 10/1984 Oricux ct al.
`367/123
`4,766,441
`8/1988 Phillips et a!. ........ .................. 343/709
`Locmaria-Plouzane, all of France
`4,762,208
`8/1988 Reynier et al.
`188/288
`[73] Assignee: Thomson-CSF, Paris, France
`5,058,082
`10/1991 Bertheas eta!. ........................ 367/130
`4,766,441
`8/1988 Phillips et al.
`343/709
`5,517,202
`5/1996 Patel et a!. .............................. 343/709
`5,058,082 10/1991 Bertheas et al.
`.. 367/130
`5,795,203
`8/1998 Suppa et a!. ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... 441!1
`5,417,202
`5/1996 Patel eta].
`343/709
`5,795,203
`8/1998 Suppa etal.
`....... 441/1
`Primary Examiner-Tan Ho
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Obion, Spivak, McClelland,
`Primary Examiner—Tan, H0
`_
`Attorney, Agent, or Frrm—Oblon, Spivak, McClelland,
`Maier & Neustadt, P.C.
`Maier & Neustadt, P.C.
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A method for controlling the navigation of a towed linear
`A method for controlling the navigation of a towed linear
`acoustic antenna. Birds equipped with variable-incidence
`acoustic antenna. Birds equipped with variable—incidence
`wings are fixed onto the antenna. Through a differential
`wings are fixed onto the antenna. Through a diilerential
`action, the wings allow the birds to be turned about the
`action,
`the Wings allow the birds to be turned about the
`longitudinal axis of the antenna so that a hydrodynamic
`longitudinal axis of the antenna so that a hydrodynamic
`force oriented in any given direction about the longitudinal
`force oriented in any given direction about the longitudinal
`axis of the antenna is obtained. Power and control signals are
`axis ofthe antenna is obtained. Power and control signals are
`transmitted between the antenna and the bird by rotary
`transmitted between the antenna and the bird by rotary
`transformers. The bird is fixed to the antenna by a bore
`lransfvrmm The bird is fixed to the antenna by a bore
`closed by a cover. The bird can be detached automatically as
`closed by a cover The bird can be detached automatically as
`the antenna is raised so that the antenna can be wound freely
`the antenna is raised so that the antenna can be wound freely
`onto a drum. This method allows the full control of the
`onto a drum. This method allows the full control of the
`deformation, immersion and heading of the antenna.
`deformation, immersion and heading of the antenna.
`
`[75]
`
`[75]
`
`[73] Assigns/3; Thomson-C517, Paris, France
`09/125,026
`[21] Appl. No.:
`
`[21] App1.No.:
`09/125,026
`Feb. 11, 1997
`[22] PCT Filed:
`[22]
`PCT Filed:
`Feb. 11, 1997
`PCT/FR97 /00263
`[86] PCT No.:
`[86]
`PCT No.:
`PCT/FR97/00263
`Aug. 13, 1998
`§ 371 Date:
`§ 371 Date:
`Aug. 13, 1998
`§ 102(e) Date: Aug. 13, 1998
`§ 102(e) Date; Aug. 13, 1998
`[87] PCT Pub. No.: W097/30361
`187l
`PCT Pub N05 “109730361
`PCT Pub. Date: Aug. 21, 1997
`PCT Pub. Date: Aug. 21, 1997
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`[30]
`[FR]
`Feb. 13, 1996
`France ................................... 96 01741
`Feb. 13, 1996
`[FR]
`France
`96 01741
`
`Int. Cl? ................................ HOlQ l/04; HOlQ 1/34
`[51]
`[51]
`Int. Cl.7
`H01Q 1/04; H01Q 1/34
`
`[52] U.S. Cl. ........................... 343/709; 343/719; 114/244
`[52] us, Cl.
`,,,,,,,,,, 343/709; 343/719; 114/244
`[58] Field of Search ..................................... 343/709, 719,
`[58] Field of Search
`343/709, 719,
`343/765; 114/244’ 1; 367/3, 123
`343/765; 114/244, 1; 367/3, 123
`
`[30]
`
`
`
`[56]
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,435,407
`3/1969 Bertheas
`367/105
`3,435,407
`3/1969 Bertheas .................................. 367/105
`
`13 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`13 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 7,2000
`
`Sheet 1 0f 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`FIG.1
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`1
`
`I.
`
`P3
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`203
`
`Sheet 2 0f 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`N
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`N
`
`202
`
`N ..-
`N
`212
`
`210
`
`208209
`
`207
`
`FlG.2
`
`EX. PGS 1064
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 7,2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`
`
`FIG.3
`
`EX. PGS 1064
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`

`

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`01JO17199118
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`ZVE‘WI‘9
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 7,2000
`
`Sheet 5 0f 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`325
`
`SECTION A-A
`
`FIG.S
`
`325
`
`
`
`317
`
`316
`
`SECTION 8-B
`
`FIG.6
`
`EX. PGS 1064
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 0f 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`301
`
`
`
`325
`
`FIG. 7
`
`D—D
`SECTION
`SECTION D-D
`
`306
`
`SECTION C—C
`308
`
`SECTION C-C
`
`FIG.8
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`
`

`

`6,144,342
`
`sneet '1 of 10
`
`\) .S. }latent
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`t
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`800
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`EX. PGS 1064
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`806
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`2.2.q»~25
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`952mca3
`
`9:32“
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`US. Patent
`
`Nov. 7,2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`808
`
`FIG. 13
`
`
`
`FIG .14
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`

`

`V.s. Patent
`
`Nov. 7, 2000
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`6,144,342
`
`103
`
`F"IG.15
`
`
`
`700~
`
`103
`
`FJG.16
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`

`

`6,144,342
`
`45
`
`45
`
`2
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`1
`METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE
`6,144,342
`NAVIGATION OF A TOWED LINEAR
`2
`1
`In order to obtain these results, the invention proposes a
`ACOUSTIC ANTENNA, AND DEVICES
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE
`method for controlling the navigation of a towed linear
`THEREFOR
`NAVIGATION OF A TOWED LINEAR
`acoustic antenna, in which method "birds", intended to
`In order to obtain these results, the invention proposes a
`ACOUSTIC ANTENNA, AND DEVICES
`experience a hydrodynamic force which is transmitted to the
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`method for controlling the navigation of a towed linear
`THEREFOR
`antenna in order to control its deformation, its immersion
`acoustic antenna,
`in which method “birds”,
`intended to
`1. Field of the Invention
`and its heading are fixed to such an antenna, mainly char-
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`experience a hydrodynamic force which is transmitted to the
`acterized in that control signals are transmitted without
`The present invention relates to methods which allow the
`antenna in order to control its deformation, its immersion
`1. Field of the Invention
`electrical contact to the birds in order to make them turn
`navigation of a linear acoustic antenna towed behind a naval
`and its heading are fixed to such an antenna, mainly char—
`vessel to be controlled. It also relates to the devices which 10 freely about the axis of the antenna so as to orientate the said
`The present invention relates to methods which allow the
`acterized in that control signals are transmitted without
`electrical contact to the birds in order to make them turn
`navigation of a linear acoustic antenna towed behind a naval
`10
`allow this method to be implemented, more particularly to
`hydrodynamic force in any given direction about the longi-
`vessel to be controlled It also relates to the devices which
`freely about the axis of the antenna so as to orientate the said
`the members known as "birds" placed on this antenna and to
`tudinal axis of the antenna.
`allow this method to be implemented, more particularly to
`hydrodynamic force in any given direction about the longi-
`the members allowing the said antenna to be deployed and
`According to another feature, these birds are removed
`tudinal axis of the antenna.
`the members known as “birds” placed on this antenna and to
`raised by fitting and removing these "birds".
`15 from the antenna automatically as this antenna is raised so
`the members allowing the said antenna to be deployed and
`According to another feature, these birds are removed
`2. Discussion of the Background
`that this antenna can be wound freely onto a raising drum.
`raised by fitting and removing these “birds".
`15
`from the antenna automatically as this antenna is raised so
`It is known that in order to receive acoustic waves
`2. Discussion of the Background
`The invention also proposes a joining piece intended for
`that this antenna can be wound freely onto a raising drum.
`It
`is known that
`in order to receive acoustic waves
`propagated through the water, particularly with the purpose
`attaching a bird to a linear acoustic antenna, mainly char(cid:173)
`The invention also proposes a joining piece intended for
`of carrying out seismic oil exploration of the sea bed, a series
`propagated through the water, particularly with the purpose
`acterized in that it comprises a cylindrical body of the same
`attaching a bird to a linear acoustic antenna, mainly char-
`of hydrophones in line one behind the other are towed along 20
`of carrying out seismic oil exploration of the sea bed, a series
`diameter as that of the antenna, two connectors located at the
`acterized in that it comprises a cylindrical body of the same
`of hydrophones in line one behind the other are towed along
`behind a towing boat. These hydrophones are usually con(cid:173)
`diameter as that of the antenna, two connectors located at the
`ends of the body so that the latter can be inserted between
`behind a towing boat. These hydrophones are usually con-
`tained in a pipe which both allows them to be kept in the
`ends of the body so that the latter can be inserted between
`two standard lengths of antenna, a rotary ring equipped with
`tained in a pipe which both allows them to be kept in the
`desired position and allows the signals received by these
`two standard lengths of antenna, a rotary ring equipped with
`a groove for longitudinally immobilizing the bird on this
`desired position and allows the signals received by these
`a groove for longitudinally immobilizing the bird on this
`hydrophones to be transmitted to the towing boat electrically
`joining piece, and at least one cylindrical pole piece
`hydrophones to be transmitted to the towing boat electrically
`joining piece, and at
`least one cylindrical pole piece
`along a series of connecting cables. The acoustic signals 25
`mat
`equipped with a winding to allow the control signals to be
`along a series of connecting cables. The acoustic signals
`equipped with a winding to allow the control signals to be
`received by the hydrophones are converted into electrical
`transmitted by induction to the bird attached to the joining
`received by the hydrophones are converted into electrical
`transmitted by induction to the bird attached to the joining
`signals which are then processed on board the towing boat
`piece.
`signals which are then processed on board the towing boat
`piece.
`in order to determine the characteristics of the marine
`in order to determine the characteristics of the marine
`The invention also proposes a bird, mainly characterized
`The invention also proposes a bird, mainly characterized
`environment and of the sea bed which have just had an
`environment and of the sea bed which have just had an
`in that it comprises a body equipped with a longitudinal bore
`in that it comprises a body equipped with a longitudinal bore
`30
`influence on these acoustic signals. To facilitate operations, 30
`influence on these acoustic signals. To facilitate operations,
`in the shape of a channel
`intended to sit over a towed
`in the shape of a channel intended to sit over a towed
`it
`is desirable for this antenna to remain as straight as
`it is desirable for this antenna to remain as straight as
`acoustic linear antenna, a locking piece placed in the bore to
`acoustic linear antenna, a locking piece placed in the bore to
`possible, at a well-determined and constant depth of immer-
`possible, at a well-determined and constant depth of immer(cid:173)
`form a boring surface intended to fit
`the bird onto the
`form a boring surface intended to fit the bird onto the
`sion. For that, it is known practice for devices in the form of
`sion. For that, it is known practice for devices in the form of
`antenna,
`this locking piece comprising a projecting rib
`antenna, this locking piece comprising a projecting rib
`small planes, known in English as “diving planes” or “para-
`small planes, known in English as "diving planes" or "para(cid:173)
`intended to immobilize the bird longitudinally on the
`intended to immobilize the bird longitudinally on the
`vanes” to be fixed to the antenna at various points. These
`vanes" to be fixed to the antenna at various points. These 35
`antenna, at least one pole piece equipped with a winding for
`devices are generally fixed to particular lengths of the
`antenna, at least one pole piece equipped with a winding for
`receiving by induction from the antenna the signals for
`devices are generally fixed to particular lengths of the
`antenna which comprise appropriate attachment means. The
`receiving by induction from the antenna the signals for
`controlling the bird, a cover closing the bore in order to keep
`antenna which comprise appropriate attachment means. The
`antenna is generally of a large diameter and is therefore
`controlling the bird, a cover closing the bore in order to keep
`the bird on the antenna, and locking means for keeping this
`antenna is generally of a large diameter and is therefore
`relatively rigid, something which facilitates the task of these
`the bird on the antenna, and locking means for keeping this
`cover closed when the antenna is submerged.
`40
`relatively rigid, something which facilitates the task of these
`devices, which can thus be passive and not contain any
`cover closed when the antenna is submerged.
`According to another feature, the bird further comprises at
`devices, which can thus be passive and not contain any 40
`remotely-controlled adjustment members. Furthermore, to
`According to another feature, the bird further comprises at
`least a second pole piece equipped with a winding to make
`raise this antenna back onto the boat, it often has to be stored
`remotely-controlled adjustment members. Furthermore, to
`it possible for the energy for powering the motors for
`least a second pole piece equipped with a winding to make
`on the deck of the boat, possibly disconnecting each of the
`raise this antenna back onto the boat, it often has to be stored
`controlling the attitude of this bird to be transmitted by
`it possible for the energy for powering the motors for
`lengths, something which makes it possible not to have to
`on the deck of the boat, possibly disconnecting each of the
`induction from the antenna.
`remove the devices in question.
`controlling the attitude of this bird to be transmitted by
`lengths, something which makes it possible not to have to
`According to another feature,
`it comprises electronic
`induction from the antenna.
`By way of an example of a purely passive device of this
`remove the devices in question.
`circuits for servo—control
`in roll and for controlling the
`kind, mention may be made of US. Pat. No. 5,443,027, in
`According to another feature, it comprises electronic
`motors intended to obtain this servo-control.
`By way of an example of a purely passive device of this
`which devices mounted to rotate freely on a towed acoustic
`circuits for servo-control in roll and for controlling the
`kind, mention may be made of U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,027, in
`linear antenna are described. These devices are kept vertical
`The invention also proposes a mechanism, mainly char—
`motors intended to obtain this servo-control.
`which devices mounted to rotate freely on a towed acoustic
`acterized in that it comprises a fairlead of triangular shape,
`by a system of flyweights and therefore essentially allow a
`The invention also proposes a mechanism, mainly char(cid:173)
`linear antenna are described. These devices are kept vertical
`with the point facing in the direction from which the bird
`lateral directional force, and secondarily, a vertical direc-
`tional force, to be obtained.
`acterized in that it comprises a fairlead of triangular shape,
`by a system of flyweights and therefore essentially allow a 50
`arrives during raising operations, and an accentuated convex
`shape at this point, and an almost flat shape at the base of the
`with the point facing in the direction from which the bird
`lateral directional force, and secondarily, a vertical direc(cid:173)
`Current changes to antennas of this type are tending to
`triangle, so as to bring the bird flat by pressing on one of its
`arrives during raising operations, and an accentuated convex
`tional force, to be obtained.
`minimize their diameter, so that, among other things, they
`wings in order to make it turn about the axis of the antenna,
`can be wound onto a drum to facilitate the operations of
`shape at this point, and an almost fiat shape at the base of the
`Current changes to antennas of this type are tending to
`and a set of conveyor belts for transporting the bird, flat,
`deployment into water and raising. They are also tending to
`triangle, so as to bring the bird fiat by pressing on one of its
`minimize their diameter, so that, among other things, they
`between where it leaves the surface of the fairlead and where
`standardize the length portions, so as to have, if possible, no
`55 wings in order to make it turn about the axis of the antenna,
`it is detached from the antenna.
`can be wound onto a drum to facilitate the operations of
`special—purpose length portions, except perhaps at the ends
`and a set of conveyor belts for transporting the bird, fiat,
`deployment into water and raising. They are also tending to
`of the antenna. Such an antenna is therefore particularly
`According to another feature,
`this mechanism further
`between where it leaves the surface of the fairlead and where
`standardize the length portions, so as to have, if possible, no
`flexible and the problem of stabilizing it tends to become
`comprises a first
`turn pulley allowing the antenna to be
`it is detached from the antenna.
`critical. It is therefore desirable to fit to this antenna devices
`special-purpose length portions, except perhaps at the ends
`brought back horizontal after the bird has been brought flat
`According to another feature, this mechanism further
`of the antenna. Such an antenna is therefore particularly
`on the fairlead,
`two arms fixed, on the one hand,
`to the
`which will allow this antenna to be stabilized, preferably
`flexible and the problem of stabilizing it tends to become 60
`comprises a first turn pulley allowing the antenna to be
`using active controls, but without placing electromechanical
`spindle of the first pulley on each side thereof and, at the
`components in the actual antenna itself. Furthermore,
`in
`other end, gripping a second pulley, and a first detector
`critical. It is therefore desirable to fit to this antenna devices
`brought back horizontal after the bird has been brought fiat
`65
`order to be able to wind the antenna onto the raising drum,
`which can detect that the bird has reached the second pulley;
`which will allow this antenna to be stabilized, preferably
`on the fairlead, two arms fixed, on the one hand, to the
`it is necessary for these devices to be readily detachable and
`the two arms being raised after this detection from an
`spindle of the first pulley on each side thereof and, at the
`using active controls, but without placing electromechanical
`attachable to the lengths of antenna.
`inclined position into a horizontal position, supporting the
`other end, gripping a second pulley, and a first detector
`components in the actual antenna itself. Furthermore, in
`which can detect that the bird has reached the second pulley;
`order to be able to wind the antenna onto the raising drum, 65
`the two arms being raised after this detection from an
`it is necessary for these devices to be readily detachable and
`inclined position into a horizontal position, supporting the
`attachable to the lengths of antenna.
`
`50
`
`6O
`
`EX. PGS 1064
`
`

`

`6,144,342
`
`20
`
`40
`
`40
`
`3
`4
`selves. Attachment to these connections is such that the bird
`bird by its wings, in order to bring the bird/antenna assembly
`6,144,342
`back fiat without applying excessive stresses to the bird.
`can rotate freely about the connection, but so that it is unable
`3
`4
`to move longitudinally along this connection.
`According to another feature, it comprises a second
`selves. Attachment to these connections is such that the bird
`bird by its wings, in order to bring the bird/antenna assembly
`Special-purpose devices, depicted in the figure as a cover
`detector for determining whether the bird has been brought
`back flat without applying excessive stresses to the bird.
`cart rotate freely about the connection, but so that it is unable
`104, allow the bird to be pulled off, preferably automatically,
`fiat the wrong way up, and a curved rod in the shape of a
`to move longitudinally along this connection.
`According to another feature,
`it comprises a second
`so that the antenna can be wound onto a raising drum.
`spiral intended to be placed in the path of the bird under the
`Special-purpose devices, depicted in the figure as a cover
`detector for determining whether the bird has been brought
`action of this detector; this spiral being of a dimension such
`Each bird is therefore fixed to a special-purpose joining
`104, allow the bird to be pulled off, preferably automatically,
`flat the wrong way up, and a curved rod in the shape of a
`that the body of the bird can pass through it without
`piece which, as depicted in section in FIG. 2, allows two
`so that the antenna can be wound onto a raising drum.
`spiral intended to be placed in the path of the bird under the
`difficulty, while one of its wings intercepts the rod which
`action of this detector; this spiral being of a dimension such
`lengths of antenna 201 and 202 to be joined together. These
`Each bird is therefore fixed to a special—purpose joining
`makes the bird turn in its forward movement, so that the bird 10
`that
`the body of the bird can pass through it without
`piece which, as depicted in section in FIG. 2, allows two
`lengths are entirely standard, with the possible exception of
`difficulty, While one of its wings intercepts the rod which
`is brought back fiat in the right direction as it leaves this
`lengths of antenna 201 and 202 to be joined together. These
`power supply circuits and control signal transmission
`10
`makes the bird turn in its forward movement, so that the bird
`lengths are entirely standard, with the possible exception of
`spiral.
`circuits, if this do not exist in the linear antennas for which
`is brought back flat in the right direction as it leaves this
`power supply circuits and control signal
`transmission
`they are ordinarily provided.
`According to another feature, it comprises a bore, a buffer
`spiral.
`circuits, if this do not exist in the linear antennas for which
`which impedes the passage of the key so as to disengage the
`The joining piece therefore comprises at each end, con(cid:173)
`they are ordinarily provided.
`According to another feature, it comprises a bore, a buffer
`latter from the body of the bird under the effect of the latter's 15
`nectors 211 and 212 for connecting it to the ends of the
`which impedes the passage of the key so as to disengage the
`15
`The joining piece therefore comprises at each end, con-
`translational movement, thus allowing the bird to become
`lengths 201 and 202. These connectors are identical to the
`latter from the body of the bird under the etfect of the latter’s
`nectors 211 and 212 for connecting it to the ends of the
`detached from the antenna to allow the latter to be wound
`end connectors of the lengths, which allow these lengths to
`translational movement, thus allowing the bird to become
`lengths 201 and 202. These connectors are identical to the
`detached from the antenna to allow the latter to be wound
`freely onto a raising drum.
`be connected directly to one another, when this joining piece
`end connectors of the lengths, which allow these lengths to
`is absent.
`freely onto a raising drum.
`be connected directly to one another, when this joining piece
`is absent.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The joining piece is made up of a body 203 pierced right
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The joining piece is made up of a body 203 pierced right
`through with a longitudinal cylindrical cavity 204 which
`Other specific features and advantages of the invention
`through with a longitudinal cylindrical cavity 204 which
`allows the various cables intended for connecting the length
`Other specific features and advantages of the invention
`will emerge clearly in the following description which is
`allows the various cables intended for connecting the length
`will emerge clearly in the following description which is
`201 to the length 202 to pass through this joining piece. At
`given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the
`201 to the length 202 to pass through this joining piece. At
`given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the
`25 one of the ends of this piece there is a rotary ring 205
`appended drawings, which depict:
`mat
`one of the ends of this piece there is a rotary ring 205
`appended drawings, which depict:
`equipped with a circumferential groove 206. This ring
`equipped with a circumferential groove 206. This ring
`FIG. 1: a diagrammatic view of a bird fixed to an acoustic
`FIG, 1: a diagrammatic View of a bird fixed to an acoustic
`allows the bird to be immobilized longitudinally on the
`allows the bird to be immobiliaed longitudinally on the
`linear antenna;
`linear antenna;
`joining piece, while allowing it to rotate freely about the axis
`joining piece, while allowing it to rotate freely about the axis
`FIG. 2: a view in longitudinal section of an anchoring
`FIG. 2: a View in longitudinal section of an anchoring
`of this piece, under the effect of the hydrodynamic forces
`of this piece, under the effect of the hydrodynamic forces
`piece for a bird;
`piece for a bird;
`30
`which will be described later. The rest of the body of the
`which will be described later. The rest of the body of the
`FIG. 3: a view in longitudinal section in the horizontal 30
`FIG. 3: a View in longitudinal section in the horizontal
`joining piece is essentially occupied by the stators of two
`joining piece is essentially occupied by the stators of two
`plane of a bird;
`plane of a bird;
`rotary transformers. The first of these transformers has a
`rotary transformers. The first of these transformers has a
`winding 207 and a pole piece 208, which have symmetry of
`FIG. 4: an enlarged part View of FIG. 3;
`winding 207 and a pole piece 208, which have symmetry of
`FIG. 4: an enlarged part view of FIG. 3;
`revolution about the longitudinal axis of the joining piece
`revolution about the longitudinal axis of the joining piece
`FIGS. 5 to 8: vertical cross-sections through the body of
`FIGS. 5 to 8: vertical cross-sections through the body of
`and which allow the bird to be supplied with electrical
`the bird of FIGS. 3 and 4; and
`35 and which allow the bird to be supplied with electrical
`the bird of FIGS. 3 and 4; and
`power. The second transformer comprises a winding 209 and
`power. The second transformer comprises a winding 209 and
`FIGS. 9 to 16: part views of the mechanism for moving
`a pole piece 210. Its structure is similar to that of the first but
`FIGS. 9 to 16: part views of the mechanism for moving
`the birds from the acoustic linear antenna.
`a pole piece 210. Its structure is similar to that of the first but
`it
`is smaller because it
`is used mainly to transmit
`the
`the birds from the acoustic linear antenna.
`it is smaller because it is used mainly to transmit the
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`necessary control signals to the bird.
`necessary control signals to the bird.
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`These two transformers are powered by connection cables
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`These two transformers are powered by connection cables
`from one and/or other of the two lengths 201 and 202.
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`The method according to the invention therefore consists
`from one and/or other of the two lengths 201 and 202.
`An appropriate bird, depicted in section in various Views
`in placing on a towed linear antenna 103, devices similar to
`The method according to the invention therefore consists
`in FIGS. 3 to 8, is fixed to this joining piece. This bird
`An appropriate bird, depicted in section in various views
`those depicted very diagrammatically in FIG. 1 and corn-
`in placing on a towed linear antenna 103, devices similar to
`comprises a body 301 equipped with two wings 302 and
`in FIGS. 3 to 8, is fixed to this joining piece. This bird
`prising a body 101 and wings 102. These wings form a wing
`those depicted very diagrammatically in FIG. 1 and com(cid:173)
`303. The body 301 is depicted in horizontal section in FIGS.
`comprises a body 301 equipped with two wings 302 and
`structure which makes it possible to obtain lift, or possibly
`prising a body 101 and wings 102. These wings form a wing
`3 and 4. The wing 303 is depicted in its entirety in FIG. 3,
`303. The body 301 is depicted in horizontal section in FIGS.
`negative lift, intended to keep the portion of the antenna to
`and partially in FIG. 4. In the latter figure, the body 301 is
`structure which makes it possible to obtain lift, or possibly
`3 and 4. The wing 303 is depicted in its entirety in FIG. 3,
`which the device is attached at a determined depth of
`seen enlarged. The wing 302, which is symmetrically iden-
`negative lift, intended to keep the portion of the antenna to
`immersion. In the example depicted, the assembly of the
`and partially in FIG. 4. In the latter figure, the body 301 is
`tical to the wing 303, has been depicted partially in the two
`which the device is attached at a determined depth of
`FIGS. 3 and 4.
`wings 102 can turn about a transverse axis in order to alter
`seen enlarged. The wing 302, which is symmetrically iden(cid:173)
`
`immersion. In the example depicted, the assembly of the
`
`the angle of incidence of this wing structure. These wings
`tical to the wing 303, has been depicted partially in the two
`
`
`The body 301 is pierced longitudinally and axially by a
`wings 102 can turn about a transverse axis in order to alter
`also themselves have flaps