Patent ID: 7697374
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: G01V,G10K

Abstract:
1. A hydrophone array, comprising: a) an inflatable shaped housing enclosing an interior space and formable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; b) a framework of compliant material disposed within the interior of the inflatable housing; and c) a plurality of hydrophone units attached to the compliant material at respective positions, wherein said hydrophone units are arranged in a predetermined geometric array when the shaped housing is in the expanded configuration; wherein each hydrophone unit comprises a central wire of spring steel, and a copper wire coiled around the central wire of spring steel, said copper wire being coated with polyvinylidene difluoride and said hydrophone unit further comprising a layer of conductive silver ink deposited on the polyvinylidene difluoride-coated copper wire.