System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles
US8752494B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way which limits the amplitude of pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in the water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system also includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face configured to form streamlining thus ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp in contact with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.