Near shore spar communication platform
US6102758A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2201/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The Near Shore Spar Buoy Communication Platform is a semi-stable platform for data collection and retrieval for distances up to and over several miles offshore. It is an ocean-going computer housed in a modified spar buoy which is connected to a shore computer via a wireless Ethernet LAN. The Ethernet LAN is provided through use of wireless link technology capable of 2 to 11 megabits of bi-directional throughput and is expandable to higher data rates in the future. The platform behaves much like a spar buoy, which is essentially decoupled from waves and has a very small roll motion. An anti-heave appendage allows for the decrease of the heave motion normally associated with traditional spar buoys. The platform has a airfoil-like design which allows it to align itself with the current thus decreasing the overall yaw motion commonly associated with buoy communication platforms. This unique design allows the use of a single axis positioner rather than the three axis positioner used on present discus style communication buoys. This positioner allows for constant communication between the buoy and the shore station. Also, the platform's sectioned design allows it to be deployed from sma…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.