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Patent 2248382 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2248382
(54) English Title: DEPLOYABLE, EXPENDABLE OR RECOVERABLE FLOATING RADAR REFLECTIVE DEVICE
(54) French Title: DIPOSITIF DE RADAR REFLECHISSANT FLOTTANT DEPLOYABLE, REMPLACABLE OU RECUPERABLE
Status: Expired and beyond the Period of Reversal
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B63B 22/00 (2006.01)
  • B63B 22/16 (2006.01)
  • B63B 45/00 (2006.01)
  • B63C 9/20 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • BARKER, DENIS (Canada)
(73) Owners :
  • DENIS BARKER
(71) Applicants :
  • DENIS BARKER (Canada)
(74) Agent:
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2001-07-03
(22) Filed Date: 1998-10-08
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2000-04-08
Examination requested: 1999-12-06
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data: None

Abstracts

English Abstract

This invention is an easily deployable, expendable or recoverable floating radar reflective device. The invention can be built with sufficient reserve buoyancy to allow the fitting of a number of optional devices, such as a GPS transceiver or lighting. Thus, the device can be used for a variety of applications including: man- overboard marker, radar testing, temporarily marking submerged objects or navigation points, search and rescue, naval gunnery practice and/or weapons testing, or any other application that requires a floating reflective station. The device is constructed of aluminum, and consists of an internally supported tetrahedron shape with a floatation pod with an integrated radar reflector at each apex. The tetrahedron shape allows the device to roll due to the motion of the waves or the method of deployment, and always present the same shape and reflective area as a target for radar, or as a support for optional devices mounted on the structure. Each floatation pod is fitted either with scuttling devices, to cause the device to sink if recovery is not a preferred option, or plugs if recovery is required. The use of dissimilar metal in the scuttling devices and the pins that hold the device together allows the device to rapidly corrode once it sinks, alleviating environmental concerns. The device is collapsible for ease of storage, and can be either assembled by hand, or deployed automatically, depending upon usage requirements.


French Abstract

Cette invention est un dispositif flottant réfléchissant au radar, facile à déployer, remplaçable ou récupérable. L'invention peut être construite avec une réserve de flottabilité suffisante pour permettre la pose d'un certain nombre de dispositifs optionnels, tels qu'un émetteur/récepteur GPS ou un éclairage. Ainsi, le dispositif peut être utilisé pour une variété d'applications, notamment : marqueur d'homme à la mer, tests du radar, marquage d'objets temporairement submergés ou de points de navigation, recherche et sauvetage, entraînement d'artillerie navale et/ou essais d'armes, ou toute autre application nécessitant une station flottante réfléchissante. Le dispositif est construit en aluminium et se compose d'une forme de tétraèdre supportée en interne avec une nacelle de flottaison équipée d'un réflecteur radar intégré à chaque sommet. La forme de tétraèdre permet au dispositif de rouler en raison du mouvement des vagues ou de la méthode de déploiement et de toujours présenter la même forme et la même aire réfléchissante comme cible pour le radar, ou comme support pour les périphériques en option montés sur la structure. Chaque nacelle de flottaison est équipée soit de dispositifs de sabordage pour faire couler le dispositif si la récupération n'est pas une option privilégiée, soit de bouchons si la récupération est nécessaire. L'utilisation de métaux dissemblables dans les dispositifs de sabordage et les chevilles qui assemblent le dispositif permet au dispositif de s'éroder rapidement une fois coulé, atténuant ainsi les préoccupations environnementales. Le dispositif est démontable pour faciliter le stockage, et peut être soit assemblé à la main, soit déployé automatiquement, selon les conditions d'utilisation.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CLAIMS
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege
is
claimed are defined as follows:
1. A floating, radar reflective device comprising legs and flotation pods with
each pod incorporating a radar reflector, arranged in a tetrahedron shape with
the pods
located at each of the extreme corners of the device, and the tetrahedron
shape
ensuring that the visual and radar reflective characteristics remain the same,
with one
pod supported above the water surface, regardless of the rolling of the device
due to
deployment method, sea state or wind conditions.
2. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claim 1 in which the
distance of the reflector above the water is adjustable, by changing the
length
of the device's legs.
3. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claims 1 and 2 in which
the
size of the floatation pods can be altered as necessary to achieve the
required
buoyancy for a particular application.
4. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claims 1, 2 and 3 in
which
the radar reflectors can be altered to achieve different cross sections to
allow the
device to be used for many purposes.
5. A floating, radar reflective device as described in claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 in
which
the lightweight aluminum construction and the open geometric shape that
reduces
windage, will facilitate handling.
6. A floating, radar reflective device described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in
which
the primary construction material is aluminum, but incorporating zinc pins and
PVC
plugs on all devices that will be recovered.
7. A floating, radar reflective device described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and
6 in
which the plugs are made of copper on all devices that will be scuttled, which
will
enhance the corrosion of the sunken device.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02248382 1999-12-06
SPECIFICATION
This invention relates to a device for temporarily marking positions at sea or
on other
waterways.
Most temporary marking devices currently in use, are made of plastic or rubber-
like
substances, and generally depend upon air for floatation. These devices do not
offer
any real degree of radar reflectivity, and are therefore useful only in
conditions of
good visibility. They are also susceptible to wind, and if not well anchored,
will not
remain in position for very long. There are also some devices that are made of

CA 02248382 1999-12-06
metallic substances. These are generally difficult to deploy, and are not well
suited to
temporary marking applications. The inflatable and metallic devices currently
available are not designed with environmental concerns in mind, nor do they
offer
options for mounting different devices.
By using a common I;eometric shape, a tetrahedron, made of common material,
aluminum, a unique unit has been produced that is a marked improvement on the
devices currently in u.se. This invention improves effectiveness and ease of
operation,
while reducing the negative impact of the use of such devices on the
environment. It
combines the advantages of good radar reflectivity and good sea-keeping
characteristics inherent in metallic devices, with the advantages of ease of
deployment
and compact stowage afforded by inflatable devices. The internally supported
tetrahedron shape constructed of aluminum poles produces little wind
resistance,
while providing a structure that maintains a consistent shape regardless of
the side that
is lying in the water. This ensures that the required radar reflective
component,
provided by radar reflectors incorporated in floatation pods at each apex of
the
tetrahedron, is always presented at the required height regardless of wave
action or
other environmental factors that may cause the unit to roll in the water
occasionally.
The invention also incorporates the use of dissimilar metals to facilitate
rapid
corrosion of the device, should recovery not be possible or desirable,
affording a
degree of environmental acceptability not currently available in other
devices. The
design is suited to a number of uses, as described in the Abstract. Generally,
the type
of application for which the device will be used will determine the size of
the unit
required, the shape remaining constant. Some other options, such as different
hinging
mechanisms, can also be used to adapt the unit to specific applications.
An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures I through 3. This
embodiment is a manually assembled design option, of a size that would be
applicable
to usage in the open ocean. In the drawings which illustrate this embodiment
of the
invention, Figure 1 is an Orthographic Projection of the embodiment which
illustrates
the general layout of the design. Figure 2 are Plan and Elevation Views,
illustrating

CA 02248382 1999-12-06
the approximate ratio of leg length to reflector height, and the typical
dimensions of
the material used for a device of this size. Also included in Figure 2 is a
view of the
Packaging Detail for a unit of this size when fully disassembled and packaged
into
one bundle. Figure 3 is, a detailed view of the pod assembly for this
embodiment. It
illustrates the detail of the floatation pod/ integrated rauiar reflector
component of the
invention.
The invention comprises an internally supported tetrahedron shape, constructed
of
aluminum tubing legs 1. At each apex, floatation pods 2 with integrated radar
reflectors 3 are mounted. The primacy object of the invention is to improve on
the
radar reflectivity of temporary marking devices. This has been accomplished by
manufacturing the unit from aluminum, with radar reflectors integrated into
the
design. The design extends the radar reflector an appropriate distance above
the
surface of the water. The distance of the radar reflector above the water is
determined
by the requirements of t:he application for which the unit is to be used. Once
the
distance required is detE;rmined, the unit is manufactured to that
specification. The
ratio of distance above ~:he water required vs. the length of the device's
legs is
relatively constant, being a standard geometric shape, and only affected by
the size of
the floatation pods and 'very minimally by the density of the water in which
the unit
will be used. This is ilbustrated by the Elevation View in Figure 2. The size
of the
floatation pods 2, and a~:~sociated integrated radar reflectors 3, cam be
altered as
necessary to achieve the: required radar reflective area for a particular
application.
The gauge of the aluminum being used for the construction, indicated as 2-inch
tubing
in the Plan View in Figure 2, is determined by the size of the application,
using
common engineering methods for determining structural rigidity and strength.
The
size of the floatation pods 2 can be altered as required to achieve the
required reserve
buoyancy for a particular application.
The necessity for the device to be used safely in a varriety of sea and
weather
conditions demands that the unit be designed for ease of handling. The
aluminum

CA 02248382 1999-12-06
construction ensures that the unit will be light, while an internally
supported
tetrahedron design reduces the windage to a level acceptable in most operating
scenarios. Lifting eyes 4 are attached to the floatation pods 2 in larger
models to
accommodate deployment and recovery by lifting apparatus from the deck of a
vessel
or other platform.
An important requirement of the device is the need to be environmentally safe.
The
device is designed to bc; either recovered, or expended. Each floatation pod 2
is fitted
with two threaded fittings 7 to provide the option for either mode of
employment.
Should the device be intended for recovery after use, plugs are fitted in the
openings,
and the affect of its use on the environment is inconsequential. Should the
intent be to
expend the device, scuttling plugs made of copper are fitted in the openings.
These
scuttling plugs are hollow in the centre, and use a substance that slowly
dissolves in
water. They are manufactured in to provide a number of time-delay options.
When
the invention scuttles, t:he dissimilar metal in the scuttling plugs causes
rapid
corrosion of the unit. Sacrificial zinc hinge pins 5 are used to attach three
aluminum
tubing legs 1 to each floatation pod 2, and to the central connector 6. These
pins 5
will also corrode rapidly, causing the unit to collapse on the sea bottom,
reducing the
likelihood that marine life will become entangled in the unit.
To facilitate ease of handling and assembly, and to provide for compact
stowage, the
device can be completely disassembled. Slip joints are provided at the central
connector 6, and on each flotation pod 2, to facilitate ease of assembly and
disassembly. All slip joints are held together by connector pins 5. The
Packaging
Detail on Figure 2 illusl:rates the device in the stowage configuration.
As indicated, the embodiment detailed in Figures 1 through 3 is a large unit,
designed
for use in open ocean for such applications as marking submerged objects, by
attaching a line from the object to the marker, or as a target for radar
trials or gunnery
practice.

CA 02248382 1999-12-06
Other applications for the invention include: man-overboard marker,
temporarily
marking navigation points and search and rescue. The design has many
applications,
of which the aforementioned are only an example. The design is intended to
offer the
potential for many applications, and is therefore, very adaptive. Different
applications
will demand variety in the size and some of the design elements. For example,
in
larger applications, slip joints are used in the central connector of the
device to allow
the unit to be disassembled and stored in a smaller space. In other
applications, these
joints may be made to t>e flexible andlor spring-loaded, allowing the unit to
be
collapsible, and deployed more rapidly and automatically. The aluminum
construction also allows the welding of mounting plates for a variety of
additional
devices, such as GPS transceivers, lights or life-saving apparatus, on any
part of the
structure. The intent of the invention has been to maintain the versatility of
the design
while maintaining its specific qualities.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

2024-08-01:As part of the Next Generation Patents (NGP) transition, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) now contains a more detailed Event History, which replicates the Event Log of our new back-office solution.

Please note that "Inactive:" events refers to events no longer in use in our new back-office solution.

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Event History

Description Date
Time Limit for Reversal Expired 2014-10-08
Inactive: Adhoc Request Documented 2014-07-10
Letter Sent 2013-10-08
Inactive: Cover page published 2001-07-03
Grant by Issuance 2001-07-03
Inactive: Final fee received 2001-04-06
Pre-grant 2001-04-06
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2001-03-19
Letter Sent 2001-03-19
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2001-03-19
Inactive: Approved for allowance (AFA) 2001-03-01
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2001-02-20
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2000-11-17
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2000-04-08
Inactive: Cover page published 2000-04-07
Letter Sent 1999-12-16
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 1999-12-06
Small Entity Declaration Determined Compliant 1999-12-06
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 1999-12-06
Inactive: Correspondence - Formalities 1999-12-06
Request for Examination Received 1999-12-06
Small Entity Declaration Determined Compliant 1999-06-12
Inactive: First IPC assigned 1998-12-09
Classification Modified 1998-12-09
Inactive: IPC assigned 1998-12-09
Inactive: IPC assigned 1998-12-09
Inactive: IPC assigned 1998-12-09
Inactive: IPC assigned 1998-12-09
Inactive: Filing certificate - No RFE (English) 1998-11-05
Filing Requirements Determined Compliant 1998-11-05
Application Received - Regular National 1998-11-04

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2000-07-31

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Application fee - small 1998-10-08
Request for examination - small 1999-12-06
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - small 02 2000-10-09 2000-07-31
Final fee - small 2001-04-06
MF (patent, 3rd anniv.) - small 2001-10-08 2001-08-16
MF (patent, 4th anniv.) - small 2002-10-08 2002-07-29
MF (patent, 5th anniv.) - small 2003-10-08 2003-07-25
MF (patent, 6th anniv.) - small 2004-10-08 2004-07-26
MF (patent, 7th anniv.) - small 2005-10-10 2005-07-22
MF (patent, 8th anniv.) - small 2006-10-09 2006-07-25
MF (patent, 9th anniv.) - small 2007-10-08 2007-07-30
MF (patent, 10th anniv.) - small 2008-10-08 2008-07-25
MF (patent, 11th anniv.) - small 2009-10-08 2009-07-27
MF (patent, 12th anniv.) - small 2010-10-08 2010-07-26
MF (patent, 13th anniv.) - small 2011-10-10 2011-08-02
MF (patent, 14th anniv.) - small 2012-10-09 2012-07-27
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
DENIS BARKER
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Cover Page 2000-03-17 1 41
Abstract 1999-12-06 1 37
Abstract 1998-10-08 1 34
Drawings 1998-10-08 3 120
Description 1998-10-08 3 217
Drawings 1998-12-06 4 124
Claims 1998-12-06 2 43
Description 1998-12-06 5 199
Claims 2001-02-20 1 45
Cover Page 2001-06-27 2 63
Representative drawing 2001-06-27 1 11
Filing Certificate (English) 1998-11-05 1 163
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 1999-12-16 1 178
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2000-07-11 1 118
Commissioner's Notice - Application Found Allowable 2001-03-19 1 164
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2001-07-10 1 120
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2002-07-09 1 130
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2003-07-09 1 115
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2004-07-12 1 119
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2005-07-11 1 117
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2006-07-11 1 118
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2007-07-10 1 121
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2008-07-09 1 122
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2009-07-09 1 118
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2010-07-12 1 122
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2011-07-11 1 122
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2012-07-10 1 128
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2013-07-09 1 120
Maintenance Fee Notice 2013-11-19 1 170
Second Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2014-04-09 1 118
Notice: Maintenance Fee Reminder 2014-07-09 1 119
Fees 2003-07-25 1 15
Correspondence 1999-12-06 14 459
Fees 2001-08-16 1 64
Fees 2002-07-29 1 20
Correspondence 1998-11-06 1 34
Fees 2000-07-31 1 80
Fees 2004-07-26 1 15
Fees 2005-07-22 1 15
Fees 2006-07-25 2 28
Fees 2007-07-30 1 46
Fees 2008-07-25 1 14
Fees 2009-07-27 2 82
Fees 2010-07-26 1 15
Fees 2011-08-02 1 16
Fees 2012-07-27 1 16