Buoy hull corrosion detection system

US10692352B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security · US

Inventors

• Michael Luis Dougall · Washington, US
• Jacob James Rath · Washington, US
• Blaise Carlson Curtis · Washington, US
• Liam Christian Otto · Washington, US
• Frederick John McClimans · Washington, US
• Matthew Tyler Williams · Washington, US
• Thomas C. Rodzewicz · New London, US
• Ronald Adrezin · East Lyme, US
• Michael Plumley · Birmingham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2019
• Grant date: Jun 23, 2020
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B2203/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A buoy corrosion detection system includes a buoy having a double hull section in which the outer hull is designed to corrode and fail prior to the rest of the hull. The double hull section is positioned at the waterline, which is the area most prone to corrosion. As the outer hull corrodes, water passes through the hull and is detected by a moisture detector. The moisture detector then relays a signal that water has entered through the hull, and a signaling circuit then sends a communication signal to the user indicating that the buoy has corrosion. The buoy corrosion detection system leads to an “as-needed” maintenance cycle for buoys.