Swimmer transport device
US6615761B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C11/46
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-propelled underwater transport vehicle provides propulsion for one or more divers to allow submerged travel over extended distances. The vehicle has a cylindrical open hull supporting a deck upon which a diver is supported in a prone position. A blunt bow extends upwardly from the front of the hull, and develops a flow shadow in which the diver is positioned. A control yoke, operable by the diver, is connected to steering elements, which may include bow planes and a pivoting thruster. The cylindrical hull allows the vehicle to closely approach objects without contact therewith, while the flow shadow developed by the bow minimizes drag, despite the open structure of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.