Leroy L Manor

US Patent:

47384212, Apr 19, 1988

Filed:

Nov 12, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/929718

Inventors:

Richard F. Green - Jackson MI
LeRoy L. Manor - Jackson MI

Assignee:

Sparton Corporation - Jackson MI

International Classification:

H04B 134

US Classification:

248168

Abstract:

A self-orienting device is disclosed for a transducer adapted to be dropped from an aircraft or other vehicle. An elongated body is provided with first, second and third arms each of which is pivotally connected with the body for pivotal motion between a stowed position parallel to the body and an erect position perpendicular to the body. The first and second arms are disposed on opposite sides of the body and the third arm is disposed therebetween. An actuator spring is provided on each arm urging it from the stowed position to the erect position and a tubular housing over the arms and body retains the arms in the stowed position. The third arm is also retained in the stowed position by a separate releasable retainer. After the transducer comes to rest on the ground, an ejector spring is released to separate the housing from the arms and the body whereby the first and second arms move to the erect position. After a predetermined time delay, the retainer on the third arm is released; if the body is lying right-side-up, i. e.