System for deploying and recovering an autonomous underwater device, method of use
US11697478B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66C23/52
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for deploying and recovering an autonomous underwater device (AUD) using a surface carrier ship, includes, in addition to the carrier ship, a subaquatic vehicle (SV) guided by a connection wire connected to the carrier ship, the SV able to be positioned in a storage configuration wherein the SV is fixedly but removably joined to the carrier ship in a storage zone, or in a configuration for use, in which the SV, separated from the carrier ship, is in the water and at a distance from the carrier ship while remaining connected by the connection wire, the SV including propulsion, guiding and stabilizing systems and a station for receiving the AUD allowing it to be removably attached to the SV, the receiving station and the AUD including a complementary automated docking unit allowing the AUD to automatically dock with the receiving station during recovery and attach itself thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.