Method and apparatus for fast deploying and retrieving of towed bodies
US7648101B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/566
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.