Deployment and retrieval methods for AUVs
US11591049B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/425
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the method comprising loading the AUVs into a deployment device; submerging the deployment device containing the AUVs after the AUVs have been loaded into the deployment device; towing the submerged deployment device containing the AUVs with a surface vessel; deploying the AUVs from the submerged deployment device as it is towed by the surface vessel; and operating a thruster of each AUV after it has been deployed so that it moves away from the submerged deployment device. A method of retrieving autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is also disclosed, the method comprising towing a submerged retrieval device with a surface vessel; loading the AUVs into the submerged retrieval device as it is towed by the surface vessel; and after the AUVs have been loaded into the submerged retrieval device, lifting the submerged retrieval device containing the AUVs out of the water and onto the surface vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.