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Flying underwater imager with multi-mode operation for locating and approaching underwater objects for imaging and maintaining depths and altitudes

  • US 10,640,187 B2
  • Filed: 08/03/2018
  • Issued: 05/05/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A flying underwater device with multi-mode operation for adjusting a flying depth, comprising:

  • a frame with a hitch for connecting by a towing device;

    a pair of wings attached to the frame and controlled by a drive system; and

    a control module in a housing and communicatively coupled to the drive system, the control module including a tow controller to release and contract a tow line, and a speed controller to increase and decrease speed of the towing device;

    wherein in a tow mode, the drive system unfolds the pair of wings to a specific angle to maintain a desired depth as determined by downward pressure generated from a speed of towing and natural buoyancy of the flying underwater imaging device, andwherein the control module receives an update to the desired depth and responsive to an increase in the desired depth, sending a signal to the tow controller to at least one of;

    release the tow line and decrease speed of the towing device, and responsive to a decrease in the desire depth, sending a signal to the tow controller to at least one of;

    contract the tow line and increase speed of the towing device.

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