System and method for closing and locking an unmanned underwater vehicle and torpedo clamp

US10407138B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Ralph David Hooper · Lemon Grove, US
• Jeffrey T. Gilchrist · San Diego, US
• William A. Chambers · North Tonawanda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 5, 2018
• Grant date: Sep 10, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63G2008/002
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system comprising a clamp assembly configured to capture an unmanned underwater vehicle, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a first arm, a second arm, and an extending rod assembly, wherein the first arm and second arm have a first end and a second end and are configured to form a hollow chamber when connected on both ends, wherein first arm and second arm are connected at the first end with the extending rod assembly, wherein the extending rod assembly comprises an extending rod that is configured to project downward when first arm and second arm are in an open position and is configured to retreat inside the extending rod assembly when the first arm and second arm are in a closed position, wherein a spring-loaded latch and a pin on the second end of the first arm and second arm are configured to automatically catch and lock upon closure.