System for the deployment of marine payloads

US11072406B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Thomas Austin · Rancho Palos Verdes, US
• Michael Purcell · North Falmouth, US
• Robin Littlefield · Falmouth, US
• Frederic Jaffre · East Falmouth, US
• Gwyneth Packard · Bourne, US
• Glenn McDonald · Alexandria, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 19, 2018
• Grant date: Jul 27, 2021
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63G2008/005
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as a submersible vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.