John H Hinchman

US Patent:

41576578, Jun 12, 1979

Filed:

Oct 13, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/841680

Inventors:

John H. Hinchman - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Dynamics Electronics Division - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G01N 3318
B66C 2360

US Classification:

73 53

Abstract:

A system for obtaining a vertical profile of water quality in a body of water is disclosed. The system includes a sensor for sensing predetermined characteristics of water and the depth of water at which the predetermined characteristics are sensed, a cable attached to the sensor for holding the sensor, and a winch assembly attached to the cable for deploying and retrieving the cable and the sensor in a body of water. The winch assembly includes a non-ventilated DC motor coupled to the drum for driving the drum to retrieve the cable, and for generating electricity during deployment of the cable in response to the torque on the motor created by the cable and the sensor during deployment, an electromagnetically released brake coupled to the motor for braking the motor when the brake is not energized, a battery for providing energy for the motor and the brake, and a motor controller coupled to the battery for providing constant voltage excitation of the motor and for controlling the brake. The motor controller includes a circuit which inhibits the motor from operating as a motor during deployment of the cable, and a circuit for reversing the polarity of the motor to cause the motor to generate electricity for recharging the battery during deployment of the cable. A control circuit is coupled to the sensor and to the motor controller for causing the motor controller to brake and stop the motor in response to sensing a predetermined depth of water.