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Systems and methods for tethering underwater vehicles

  • US 7,621,229 B2
  • Filed: 04/17/2008
  • Issued: 11/24/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for tethering an underwater vehicle to a support, comprisinga depressor having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end attached to the support,a float pack connected to the depressor by one or more optical fibers, and having a latch at its distal end for releasably engaging the float pack and the depressor, such that in a first latched condition the float pack is physically joined to the depressor and in a second unlatched condition, the float pack is physically separated from the depressor such that the depressor may move relative to the float pack, anda fiber canister disposed in at least one of the depressor and the float pack for storing an excess length of the one or more optical fibers,wherein the float pack is attached to the underwater vehicle by the one or more optical fibers.

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