Self-stabilizing buoy and deployment methods
US9061739B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B22/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-stabilizing buoy and deployment methods can include a main body and a cage that can be attached to the main body. A ballast can be slidably positioned within the cage so that the ballast moves from within said cage to outside of the cage when the buoy is deployed. The cage can be formed with at least one slot. The buoy can include a locking mechanism to fix the ballast at the distal end of cage after deployment, which can include a locking head that can be fixed to the ballast and inserted into the slot, and at least one flexible cantilevered arm that can extend from the cage into the slot at its distal end. As the buoy is deployed, the weight of the ballast can be sufficient to urge the locking head past the cantilevered arm to fix and lock the ballast during buoy deployment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.