Apparatus and method for deploying, recovering, servicing, and operating an autonomous underwater vehicle
US6390012B1 · kind B1 · utility
112Cited by
12References
12Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/008
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and methods for deploying, recovering, and servicing an AUV are disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The linelatch system can be connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical on one end and to an AUV on the other end. In addition to providing a mechanical connection, between the AUV and a surface vessel, the linelatch system can also carry power and data between the surface vessel (i.e., through the umbilical) and the AUV.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.