Buoyant capsule depth controller
US4262378A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1979 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B22/003
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A buoyant capsule depth controller is presented for positioning and maintaining a capsule within the ocean waters for establishing an observation or defense station. A bouyant capsule is connected to a weight assembly by means of explosive fittings which detonate at a predetermined depth to separate the two. The buoyant capsule and weight assembly are then held together by means of a short line of fixed length until a second predetermined depth is reached, at which time a pressure-actuated release mechanism releases the short line and a cable wound within the weight assembly is payed out to the buoyant capsule below a preset depth as the weight assembly sinks to the ocean floor. The paying out of the cable rotates a shaft within the weight assembly which in turn drives an hydraulic pump, the output of the pump being controlled by a valve to regulate the amount of drag which the pump exerts upon the shaft thus controlling the rate of cable pay out. The valve is controlled by the ambient pressure exerted by the ocean waters, such pressure being indicative of the actual depth of the weight assembly, and the number of rotations of the shaft which is indicative of the actual amount of c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.