John T Shillingford

US Patent:

42020344, May 6, 1980

Filed:

Aug 16, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/934334

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA
John M. Dahlen - Duxbury MA
John F. McKenna - Gloucester MA
John T. Shillingford - Milton MA
Frank J. Siraco - Malden MA
William E. Toth - Bolton MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B63G 814

US Classification:

364420

Abstract:

A system for measuring ocean characteristics. The system includes a sensor assembly and an associated means to control the system buoyancy to achieve cyclic ascent and descent at controlled speeds, either along a mooring line or free-drifting. Buoyancy control is provided by a pump assembly including two rolling diaphragm-sealed, low friction displacement pistons driven by a high torque d. c. motor operated at low speed. There are four functional groups of data gathering instrumentation. The first group measures horizontal water transport, and includes sensors for current (flow velocity), system azimuth, system tilt, and vertical velocity. The second group provides a determination of salinity, and includes sensors for conductivity, temperature and pressure. The third group monitors conditions within the system, and includes sensors for internal temperature and humidity. The fourth group monitors conditions utilized in the buoyancy control, and includes sensors for pressure (depth and depth rate) and piston position.

US Patent:

49725939, Nov 27, 1990

Filed:

Jan 17, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/297883

Inventors:

John M. Dahlen - Duxbury MA
James R. Scholten - Sudbury MA
John T. Shillingford - Milton MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01C 1738

US Classification:

33356

Abstract:

The present invention is a magnetic field measuring system and method for generating a magnetic field signal representative of the Earth's undistorted magnetic field at any given spatial location over a measurement period. The measured undistorted magnetic field is substantially independent of distortions due to any magnetically susceptible material within the measuring system and is substantially independent of internal magnetic fields generated by magnetic field sources within the system.

US Patent:

42020360, May 6, 1980

Filed:

Aug 16, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/934495

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA
John M. Dahlen - Duxbury MA
John F. McKenna - Gloucester MA
John T. Shillingford - Milton MA
Frank J. Siraco - Malden MA
William E. Toth - Bolton MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01F 2300
B63G 814

US Classification:

364420

Abstract:

A system for measuring ocean characteristics. The system includes a sensor assembly and an associated means to control the system buoyancy to achieve cyclic ascent and descent at controlled speeds, either along a mooring line or free-drifting. Buoyancy control is provided by a pump assembly including two rolling diaphragm-sealed, low friction displacement pistons driven by a high torque d. c. motor operated at low speed. There are four functional groups of data gathering instrumentation. The first group measures horizontal water transport, and includes sensors for current (flow velocity), system azimuth, system tilt, and vertical velocity. The second group provides a determination of salinity, and includes sensors for conductivity, temperature and pressure. The third group monitors conditions within the system, and includes sensors for internal temperature and humidity. The fourth group monitors conditions utilized in the buoyancy control, and includes sensors for pressure (depth and depth rate) and piston position.

US Patent:

41910494, Mar 4, 1980

Filed:

Aug 16, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/934014

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA
John M. Dahlen - Duxbury MA
John F. McKenna - Gloucester MA
John T. Shillingford - Milton MA
Frank J. Siraco - Malden MA
William E. Toth - Bolton MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01W 100

US Classification:

73170A

Abstract:

A system for measurement of ocean current near the surface wave field. The system includes a controlled buoyancy platform having a current sensor. Upper and lower plural roller assemblies are affixed to the platform for limiting platform motion along a guide line. In one form, each guide assembly includes a plurality of rollers adapted to freely track the guide line so that the platform is both substantially free to move along the guide line in response to pressure gradients from the surface wave field and also substantially decoupled from twisting and axial motions of the guide line.