Underwater vehicle docking system
US12195153B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/008
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
One example includes an underwater docking system. The system includes an underwater dock that includes a docking rod. The docking rod includes electrical contacts around a periphery of the docking rod. The system also includes a docking assembly mounted on an underwater vehicle. The docking assembly includes an actuator and a hook assembly that includes a docking arm and a jaw assembly. The docking arm physically guides the docking rod into the jaw assembly and the actuator closes the jaw assembly around the docking rod to provide electrical connection of brush contacts of the jaw assembly with the electrical contacts of the docking rod to provide electrical power from a power source via the electrical contacts to the underwater vehicle. Each of the electrical contacts and the brush contacts can be formed from a self-passivating material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.