Subsea operations support system
US7926438B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G8/001
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An underwater operations support system facilitates underwater exploration, monitoring, maintenance and construction operations associated with development of natural resources. The operations support system may include energy generation subsystems, energy accumulation subsystems, communication subsystems, docking stations, repair and maintenance robots, housings for divers, and video subsystems. Supported equipment includes ROVs, HROVs, AUVs, and other autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots which move materials, perform manual tasks, and survey the environment. Operational efficiency is enhanced by recharging, repairing and reconfiguring vehicles, and transferring data and commands between vehicles and a control station, without moving the vehicle to and from the surface, and without need for a surface ship to remain on site for the duration of operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.