Inflatable launch and recovery system

US9340262B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Scott D. Boyd · Portsmouth, US
• Paul V. Cavallaro · Raynham, US
• Alyssa A Cosmo · South Kingstown, US
• Donald E Cressman · Saunderstown, US
• Robert F Cutler, III · Portsmouth, US
• Kurt M Czepizak · Portsmouth, US
• Richard E Dooley · Portsmouth, US
• Ryan F Galego · Barrington, US
• Michael J Kroger · Middletown, US
• Geoffrey R Moss · Portsmouth, US
• Joseph M Muhitch · Fresno Street, US
• David B Segala · Portsmouth, US
• Michael E Werbicki · South Kingstown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 2014
• Grant date: May 17, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 6, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B2027/165
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An inflatable launch and recovery system for a towed body is provided. The system is containerized for ease of transport. A container houses a tow body, tow cable, a winch, winch controls, an inflatable ramp, deployment and retrieval equipment, power junctions and air line connections. Inflatable arch shaped tubes and spacer fabric form the ramp structure from which the tow body can be launched and recovered. The ramp can be ballasted to provide hydrodynamic stability and to provide sufficient system depth to accommodate retrieval of towed bodies operating below a liquid medium surface. Additional control can be achieved using inflatable or rigid fin elements or downward lifting surfaces. A rigid clamping fixture connects the ramp structure to the vessel. A snubber element dampens vibrations and transient tow loads.