System for launching and recovering underwater vehicles, notably towed underwater vehicles
US8967067B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C3/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for automatically launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way to limit 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 during recovery. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at the surface or near the surface of the water when lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face that is configured to form streamlining ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.