Patent ID: 7428870
Filing Date: 2008-09-30
Classification: B63B,F42B,Y02T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for changing the angle of attack of a cavitator on a supercavitating underwater research model, comprising: a nose assembly defining a watertight compartment therein wherein the nose assembly comprises: a housing surrounding said watertight compartment and an opening in communication with said watertight compartment; a cover plate attached to the housing to cover the opening in the housing, the housing, cover plate and interior defining the watertight compartment; and a deflector attached to the cover plate such that the cover plate is between the deflector and the housing; a plenum ring attached to the housing and circumferentially extending about and spaced from the cover plate and deflector, the space between the plenum ring and the cover plate defining a plenum for the collection of gas and the space between the plenum ring and deflector defining a passage in communication with the plenum for introducing gas into the plenum, and wherein the housing and cover plate each have gas inlet means for introducing gas into the plenum; a pivotable cavitator tilt plate positioned on said nose assembly for attaching to the cavitator; an actuator member supported by the nose assembly and having a first distal end movably attached to the cavitator tilt plate and a second distal end opposite the first distal end and located within the watertight compartment; a drive system positioned in the watertight compartment joined to move the actuator member in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, the drive system having electrical control inputs for controlling the drive system; and an electrical power system positioned at a remote location and joined to the drive system.