Patent GB-744522-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to marine marker devices
IPC: G01S13/75
Filed: 1951-04-20
Abstract: 744.522. Marine signalling apparatus. ELLIOTT, M. E. April 8, 1952 [April 20, 1951; July 12, 1951]. Nos. 9297/51 and 16572/51. Class 118(2) [Also in Groups XVII and XL(c)] A marine marker buoy adapted to reflect light and radio waves comprises a plurality of elements each comprising a float with a flat reflecting surface, the elements being linked together by flexible connectors enabling them to move relatively to each other so as to follow surface movements of the water and the elements being such that they can be folded into a pack, releasable retaining means being provided for holding the elements in the pack. The surfaces' of the elements may be made light-deflecting by polishing or coating with fluorescent or light reflecting paint. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the buoy comprises series of elements 10 each comprising two superimposed sheets 11 of cork with an intervening metallic layer 12, e.g. sprayed aluminium, alternate elements being coated with fluorescent paint 13 and the intermediate elements having lightreflecting coatings 14. The elements are linked together by two cords 15 secured between the two sheets 11 of each element; spacing sleeves may be fitted on the cords between the elements (Fig. 10, not shown). When the elements are folded into a pack (Figs. 3 and 4, not shown) they are held by a retaining cord 17 threaded through the elements and secured by a water-soluble fastening so that the elements are automatically released when the pack is in the water. When in the water 'the elements are maintained in extended formation by spring-mounted flaps 57 (Fig. 19), fitted to the end element 10, the upper flap acting as a sail and the lower as a drogue. When the elements are packed the flaps are maintained closed (chain lines) by water soluble pellets 59. In. a modification (Figs. 5-8, not shown), each element comprises two superimposed metal or transparent plastic sheets with opposed dish like depressions; in the latter case the element forms a housing for a reflecting metal foil. Alternatively the buoy comprises two superimposed metal strips 30 (Fig. 9) with opposed depressions forming spaced buoyancy chambers 26, the portions of the strips between the chambers being perforated at 31 to provide a flexible connection. In Fig. 11 (not shown) each element comprises a strip of metallized buoyant material e.g. cork, strengthened by a longitudinal rod, the elements being linked together end to end end by a single cord and in Figs. 12 and 13 (not shown) each element comprises a hollow corrugated slab built un from a pair of spaced corrugated metal sheets: the interior of the slab may be filled with cork. Elements with vertical reflecting surfaces are described with respect to Figs. 14-18 (not shown), each element comprising a simple corner reflector or a shallow square tray; in the latter case the elements are of differing size to facilitate packing. A pack of elements may be stored in a box 62 (Fig. 20), fitting in a carrier comprising a flanged rectangular base 60 and two end uprights 61, the box having spring-loaded plungers 63 with feet 64 resting on the carrier base. The box is retained in the carrier by two cords 65. 66 connected together by a water-soluble fastening 68 (Fig. 21, not shown) and the pack is retained in the box by a strap 70 whose two ends are also connected together by a water-soluble fastening 71 so that on entering the water the fastenings 68; 71 release, the box is ejected from the carrier by the plunger 63 and the pack is released from the box.