Expendable oceanographic sensor apparatus

US5209112A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• Kim McCoy · Roseville, US
• John P. Downing, Jr. · Port Townsend, US
• Bradley G. DeRoos · Fairmont, US
• MIchael Riches · Silver Spring, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 1991
• Grant date: May 11, 1993
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B2211/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An expendable oceanographic sensor apparatus is deployed from an airplane or a ship to make oceanographic observations in a profile of the surface-to-ocean floor, while deployed on the floor, and then a second profile when returning to the ocean surface. The device then records surface conditions until on-board batteries fail. All data collected is stored and then transmitted from the surface to either a satellite or other receiving station. The apparatus is provided with an anchor that causes descent to the ocean floor and then permits ascent when the anchor is released. Anchor release is predetermined by the occurrence of a pre-programmed event.