Method and apparatus for fast deploying and retrieving of towed bodies

US7967237B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. · US

Inventors

• Christopher M. Peckham · Nashua, US
• Thomas E. Gay · Milford, US
• Keith Lepine · Manchester, US
• John A. Zahoruiko · North Andover, US
• John J. Devlin · Weare, US
• Scott Colby · Waltham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2011
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T83/566
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical 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.