Patent · US Active

Unmanned vehicle launch and recovery system

US8096254B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
12References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 29, 2010
Grant dateJan 17, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 26, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB63B2027/165
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for launching and recovering one or more unmanned, underwater vehicles. The system includes a surface vessel having a generally low waterline for transporting, launching and recovering the unmanned vehicles. The system provides the ability to transport, launch and recover unmanned vehicles from either the port or starboard sides of the surface vessel, utilizing an A-frame hoist assembly which can be moved laterally in a controlled manner between the port and starboard sides of the surface vessel for lifting the unmanned vehicles, and which can be pivoted in a controlled manner to provide the launch and recovery operations.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.