Reusable buoyancy modules for buoyancy control of underwater vehicles
US10183400B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2675
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.