Patent · US Expired

Navigation system and method for determining the position of a relatively noisy platform using underwater transponders

US4924446A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
6References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 9, 1989
Grant dateMay 8, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 9, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S367/907
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system for acoustically positioning a noisy platform. An array of transponders, adapted to be deployed in a region of water, is provided. A transducer is mounted on the noisy platform and another transducer is mounted on a relatively quiet vehicle tethered to the platform. A first means is provided for transmitting acoustical energy from the transducer on the noisy platform to said array and from said array to said transducer on said vehicle for measuring the distance from said noisy platform to said quiet vehicle via said transponders in said array. A second means is provided for transmitting acoustical energy from the transducer on said vehicle to said array and back to said vehicle for measuring the distance said vehicle is from the transponders in said array. Calculating means is coupled to said first and second means for determining the location of said noisy platform relative to said array.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.