Method and system for detecting water depth and piloting vessels
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of piloting a vessel comprising the steps of:
- (a) stationing a drone ahead of the vessel;
(b) sensing the depth of the water beneath the drone;
(c) transmitting sensed depth information from the drone to the vessel; and
(d) navigating the vessel along a course that is subject to changes as necessitated by depth information received at the vessel from the drone.
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Abstract
The depth of water ahead of a vessel is detected by sonar means carried aboard a drone stationed by radio control ahead of the vessel. Detected depth information is transmitted from the drone to the vessel where it is displayed for use by the vessel pilot in navigating shallow waters.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of piloting a vessel comprising the steps of:
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(a) stationing a drone ahead of the vessel; (b) sensing the depth of the water beneath the drone; (c) transmitting sensed depth information from the drone to the vessel; and (d) navigating the vessel along a course that is subject to changes as necessitated by depth information received at the vessel from the drone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of detecting the depth of water in the vicinity of a vessel underway comprising the steps of:
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(a) deploying from the vessel a drone of the type having radio receiver means operatively coupled with drone propulsion and guidance means; (b) maneuvering the drone by radio control signals transmitted from the vessel to the drone radio receiver means; (c) generating depth information signals indicative of the depths of the water beneath the drone sensed by sonar means carried aboard the drone; (d) transmitting the depth information signals from the drone to the vessel; and
,(e) displaying depth information aboard the vessel derived from the depth information signals received from the drone. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A system for detecting the depth of water in the vicinity of a vessel comprising a drone having propulsion and guidance means coupled by servo means with a drone radio receiver and having depth finding means coupled with a drone radio transmitter;
- radio control transmitter means for transmitting control signals from the vessel to the drone radio receiver; and
radio receiver means coupled with display means for receiving and displaying depth information aboard the vessel transmitted by said drone radio transmitter. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
- radio control transmitter means for transmitting control signals from the vessel to the drone radio receiver; and
Specification